"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in connection with a
bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on February 20, 1944. The
aircraft on which Sgt. Mathies was serving as flight engineer and ball turret gunner was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters with the result that the co-pilot was killed outright, the pilot wounded and rendered unconscious, the radio
operator wounded and the plane severely damaged. Nevertheless, Sgt.
Mathies and other members of the crew managed to right the plane and fly
it back to their home station, where they contacted the control tower and reported the situation. Sgt. Mathies and the navigator
volunteered to attempt to land the plane. Other members of the crew
were ordered to jump, leaving Sgt. Mathies and the navigator aboard. After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, Sgt.
Mathies' commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be
landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to abandon it and parachute
to safety. Demonstrating unsurpassed courage and heroism, Sgt. Mathies
and the navigator replied that the pilot was still alive but could not
be moved and they would not desert him. They were then told to attempt a
landing. After two unsuccessful efforts, the plane crashed into an open
field in a third attempt to land. Sgt. Mathies, the navigator, and the
wounded pilot were killed."
From Sf.Sgt. Mathies' Medal of Honor citation, awarded in 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
Archibald Mathies Temporary Lodging Unit at the Joint Base Anacostia - Bolling in Washington DC.
Mathies Airman Leadership School at RAF Feltwell, UK
The Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Keesler AFB, MS
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