While in the process of researching the Mathis family history, we have become aware of a story of two of my first cousins who are official heroes of World War II.
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THE MATHIS FAMILY HEROES
Rhude Mark Mathis, Jr and Jack Warren Mathis, two grandsons of John M. Mathis, and sons of Rhude Mark Mathis, Sr., were natives of San Angelo, Texas, but later the family movced to Sterling City in Sterling County, Texas. After graduation from Sterling City High School they both joined the service. Although taking slightly different routs during the early portions of their enlistments they both entered the Army Air Corps ane recievced bombardier training at the same time. Upon graduation from Bombardier School, they both were commisioned as second lieutenants in the USAAF. Subsequently the two brothers served as bombardiers on B17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers flying out of Molsworth Air base in England. Both were killed during bombing raids over Germany.
Jack was mortally wounded when antiaircraft fire struck his airplane during a raid over the Nazi submarine yards at Vegesack, Germany. The oficial citation recommending award of the "Congressional Medal of Honor was worded as follows:
"MATHIS, JACK W. (Air Mission)
"Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 359th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group. Place and date: Over Vegesack, Germany, 18 March 1943. Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Born: 25 September 1921, San Angelo, Tex. G.O. No.: 38, 12 July 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany, on 18 March 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 a result of this action the planes of his squadron placed their bombs directrly on the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy." .....
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- John M Mathis & Tryphene Gregory (43 KB)
An old photo of John M. Mathis and Tryphene E. Gregory, taken ca 1920. They were born in and married in AR abt 1880. Migrated to TX in abt 1893.
- 1Lt. Jack Warren Mathis (20 KB)
Jack Mathis was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for action as a B-17 bombardier during a highly critical bombing mission over Vagesack, Germany on March 18, 1943. He was mortaly injured during the mission. The medal was awarded awarded to his mother, Avis Cannon Mathis at Goodfellow Field, San Angelo, Texas on Septembera 21, 1943 by Major General Barton K. Yount.
- 1Lt. Rhude Mark Mathis (82 KB)
Although a bit older than Jack, 1Lt Rhude Mark Mathis (aka Mark) followed Jack into the service. Jack's original branch changed from the Artillery to the Air Corps thus allowing the two brothers to persue similar career paths, that of bombardier. However, circumstances prevented their meeting at their ultimate duty stations on the day before Jack's fateful last mission. It is noteworthy that Mark flew with the same squadron, and even in the same B-17 (The Duchess) on at least one mission. Mark was flying on another airplane (The FDR) which was shot down by German, on a mission to Kiel, German fighter aircraft following the completion of the bombing run. Mark was listed as Missing In Action.
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