Early Life
Jack Warren Mathis was born in Sterling City, Texas on September 25, 1921, to Avis and Rhude Mathis. He was one of three brothers. During his early years, the family moved to San Angelo where Jack attended high school. He graduated in 1940, and subsequently enrolled at San Angelo Business College, but decided to leave school early and enlist in the army. Since he was nineteen years old, he had to have his parents sign release papers to allow him to join.
Bombardier Training
Jack served for six months with the 1st Field Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He put in for a transfer to the U.S. Army Air Corps around the time his brother, Mark, enlisted. The two began aviation training together in 1941 at Goodfellow Field in Texas. At this time, the brothers decided to become bombardiers.
Simply put, the job of a bombardier was to aim bombs on an aircraft, so they hit the target. Once an aircraft was positioned over the bombing area, a bombardier would identify the target, lock it into the bombsight and calculate the timing to release the weapons. During World War II, becoming a bombardier was a rigorous process that included basic training and pre-flight training. Additionally, trainees received instruction on operating a bombsight, performing mathematical calculations, map reading, navigation techniques, and more. Bombardiers like Jack, would also take part in live bombing practice and train with other crew members to hone their coordination and teamwork skills.
In 1942, Jack received his officer’s commission as a Second Lieutenant. Soon, he was assigned to the 359th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force, and left for England in the fall of that year. While was Jack was sent seventy miles north of London to Royal Air Force (RAF) Base Molesworth, his older brother Mark was shipped to North Africa.
At this time, the Allies were heavily targeting German U-boat submarine production. The strategy of daytime bombing raids, while helpful because targets were more visible, also posed a significant risk to the aircraft for that very reason. Bombardiers were especially vulnerable due to their exposed position at the nose of the bomber.
Jack’s Last Flight
On March 18, 1943, Jack and his crew were sent on a mission over Vegesack, Germany. Jack’s aircraft took the lead on the raid. Just as they were starting on the bomb run, the aircraft was hit by enemy fire. Jack was knocked from the bombsight to the rear of the bombardier’s compartment. The fragments from the blast shattered his arm and tore a hole in his body that stretched across his side, abdomen, and back. Despite having suffered grievous injuries, Jack dragged himself back to the bombsight and completed his mission. Miraculously, he was able to accurately aim and release the bombs on their intended target, which ultimately ensured the success of the attack. He died that day at the age of twenty-one. Two months prior, he had just been promoted to First Lieutenant.
The night before Jack went off on his fourteenth and final mission, his brother, Mark was reassigned to England. Although the two had the chance to see each other, Mark’s request to get transferred to Jack’s crew was denied. Prior to his death, Jack’s brother was serving as a bombardier in Africa and England. Mark asked to take over Jack’s assignment on his B-17 Fortress nicknamed “The Duchess.” On May 14, 1943, Mark’s crew was hit by enemy fire over Germany. Mark was first reported as missing, however, was later proclaimed dead.
Congressional Medal of Honor
On September 21, 1943, Jack was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Germany. His mother was presented with the medal by Major General Barton K. Yount.
His citation reads:
“…Lieutenant Mathis, by sheer determination and will power, though mortally wounded, dragged himself back to his sights, released his bombs, then died at his post of duty. As the result of this action the airplanes of the Bombardment Squadron placed their bombs directly upon the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy. Lieutenant Mathis’ undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit.”
Today, the criteria for receiving a Medal of Honor has evolved since its inception, but the award remains the United States’ highest military decoration. Its recipients continue to be service members who demonstrate exceptional valor and a willingness to go beyond the call of duty.
The idea for the Medal of Honor came from James W. Grimes, a senator from Iowa who put forth a bill to grant awards to members of the navy and the marines who distinguished themselves in battle during the Civil War. This later expanded to include the army and air force. As such, there are three versions of this medal that are awarded to each branch of the military.
In 1863, Private Jacob Parrott became the first person to receive the Medal of Honor. Later that year, the first Navy recipient Signal Quartermaster Robert Williams was awarded, followed by the first marine, Corporal John F. Mackie. Although Captain Edward V. Rickenbacker was given the Medal of Honor for aerial combat in 1918, it wasn’t until the 1960s that his branch of the military was given their own distinctive Air Force design.
During World War II, the Medal of Honor was bestowed on 472 recipients. Today the total number of service members who have received a Medal of Honor has reached over 3,500.
