During my research into Aggies who were killed in World War II, I have discovered some compelling stories about the men who fought and died during this conflict.

However, I have encountered a mystery regarding why Lt. Jack W. Mathis is listed in the April 19, 1945, Battalion as one of over 450 Aggies KIA during WWII.

I found a J.W. Mathis Jr. in the AFS database, but he was a member of the Class of 1939, and Jack M. would have only been 18 years old in 1939.

To clarify Jack's connection to Texas A&M, I reached out to the Texas Historical Society and the San Angelo Genealogy Association. The feedback I received mentioned his training at Goodfellow Field, which later became Goodfellow Air Force Base. This facility served as a crucial training center for the Army Air Corps and had a significant connection to Texas A&M, particularly through its role in training personnel from the College's Corps of Cadets.

**Goodfellow Field's Role:**
Established in 1940, Goodfellow Field was an essential training facility for the Army Air Corps, producing over 10,000 pilots by the end of the war, according to records from Goodfellow Air Force Base.

**Texas A&M Connection:**
Individuals from Texas A&M, especially those in the Corps of Cadets, were frequently assigned to Goodfellow Field as part of their military training.

**Example:**
Horace Carswell Jr., a student at Texas A&M, served as a flying instructor at Goodfellow Field after being ordered to active duty. He exemplifies the connection between the university and the Air Force base.

Y'all may be wondering why I am spending time on this specific man, and the reason is Lt Mathis was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

MEDAL OF HONOR
FIRST LIEUTENANT JACK WARREN MATHIS
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 359th Bomb Squadron, 303d Bomb Group.
Place and date: Over Vegesack, Germany, March 18, 1943.
Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Born: September 25, 1921, San Angelo, Tex.
G.O. No.. 38, July 12, 1943.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jack Warren Mathis (ASN: 0-727110), United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany, on 18 March 1943, while serving with the 359th Bombardment Squadron, 303d Bombardment Group (H), Eighth Air Force. First Lieutenant Mathis, as leading bombardier of his squadron, flying through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, was just starting his bomb run, upon which the entire squadron depended for accurate bombing, when he was hit by the enemy anti-aircraft 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, First Lieutenant Mathis, by sheer determination and willpower, though mortally wounded, dragged himself back to his sights, released his bombs, and then died at his post of duty. As a 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. First Lieutenant Mathis's undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit.

"Bombardier's Last Breath" painting



So, could A&M have another Congressional Medal of Honor recipient?