Jack W. Mathis [Cover]
Name/Title
Jack W. Mathis [Cover]Description
Handdrawn cover with ink cachet by Diana of Jack Mathis, Bombardier, and postmarked July 21, 1944 in Bombardier Bridge, San Angelo, Texas.Context
Jack Mathis was born in San Angelo on September 25, 1921. At the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and later transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1941. He began flight training in January 1942 and graduated from at Concho Army Air Field as a bombardier July 4, 1942. He earned the Medal of Honor "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany, on March 18, 1943. 1st Lt. Mathis, as leading bombardier of his squadron, flying through intense and accurate antiaircraft fire, was just starting his bomb run, upon which the entire squadron depended for accurate bombing, when he was hit by the enemy antiaircraft fire. His right arm was shattered above the elbow, a large wound was torn in his side and abdomen, and he was knocked from his bomb sight to the rear of the bombardier's compartment. Realizing that the success of the mission depended upon him, 1st Lt. Mathis, by sheer determination and willpower, 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 his bombardment squadron placed their bombs directly upon the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy. 1st Lt. Mathis' undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit." In 1945, in honor of his valiant action, Concho Army Air Field was renamed Mathis Field.Category
Texas Folk Art: One-Hundred Fifty Years of the Southwestern Tradition