Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

3rd Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. When his platoon was halted by heavy enemy machine-gun and rifle fire from a pillbox, Private Mathis unhesitatingly braved hostile fire to run forward two hundred yards across an open airstrip to a point from which he opened fire into the enemy position. Although seriously wounded, he continued to fire until he had killed the occupants of the pillbox and enabled his platoon to continue the attack. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private Mathis and the United States Naval Service."

Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 48443