Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company H, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 30th, 1944

"For gallantry in action on 1 and 2 October 1944, near ****, Holland. During the night an enemy force of parachutists, estimated at a reinforced platoon, launched a fierce attack on a vital roadblock in the company sector. Private Mathis, rifleman, covered a BAR to his right. With his rifle he stood his ground against overwhelming odds and traded shot for shot, grenade for grenade, with the attackers. His heroic stand encouraged the squad. The line remained secure and the attacks were repulsed. In this gallant action against superior numbers and fire power, Private Mathis lost his life, but this courage and devotion to duty contributed materially to preventing a break-through and keeping the road block intact. Private Mathis' gallantry in the cause to which he gave the fullest measure of allegiance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 61 (posthumously awarded)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company H, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)