"The Amazing Story of Archibald Mathies: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Heroism"
Attempting to land the aircraft, Mathies made two unsuccessful attempts before the bomber crashed in an open field on the third attempt, tragically killing him, the navigator, and the pilot.
February 20, 2025
Archibald Mathies (June 3, 1918 – February 20, 1944) was a dedicated airman in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, ultimately sacrificing his life in an act of extraordinary valor. For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, one of only four enlisted airmen to receive the nation's highest military decoration during the war.
Early Life and Immigration
Born as Archibald Collins Hamilton in Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, on June 3, 1918, Mathies immigrated to the United States as a child, traveling with his mother and stepfather to settle in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was there that he grew up, embracing his new homeland and later choosing to serve it in uniform.
Military Career
Mathies enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 30, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, joining the Regular Army before transitioning into the Army Air Forces. His early assignments included Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 8th Pursuit Wing, and later the 36th Air Base Group at Maxwell Field, Alabama. His training took him across multiple bases, including Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and Chanute Field, Illinois, where he attended the Airplane Mechanic School, graduating on October 1, 1941.
Following his graduation, Mathies was stationed at Mitchel Field, New York, where he served with the 1st Air Support Command and later the 33rd Pursuit Group. His journey through various assignments continued as he moved to Morris Field, North Carolina, in December 1941, before attending the Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School at Tyndall Field, Florida, in early 1943. Completing his gunnery course on March 22, 1943, he returned to Morris Field, later joining the 73rd Observation Group at Godman Field, Kentucky. His time in the U.S. saw him attached to various units, including the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron, the 28th Bombardment Squadron, and the 796th Bombardment Squadron in Louisiana.
On December 8, 1943, Mathies departed for England, arriving on December 16. Initially assigned to the 8th Air Force Replacement Depot Casual Pool, he transitioned to the 1st Replacement and Training Squadron before, on January 19, 1944, being permanently assigned as an engineer-gunner with the 510th Bomb Squadron, 351st Bomb Group, stationed at RAF Polebrook, England. His skill and dedication earned him a promotion to staff sergeant on February 17, 1944—just three days before his fateful mission.
Final Mission and Ultimate Sacrifice
On February 20, 1944, Mathies was part of a bombing raid over enemy-occupied Europe when his B-17 Flying Fortress came under fierce attack by enemy fighters. The engagement resulted in the death of the copilot, severe injuries to the pilot, wounds to the radio operator, and critical damage to the aircraft. Despite these devastating circumstances, Mathies and his fellow crew members managed to stabilize the bomber and navigate it back to friendly territory. Upon arrival, they contacted the control tower, reporting their desperate situation.
Realizing the need for a controlled landing, Mathies and the navigator volunteered to land the heavily damaged plane. While the rest of the crew was ordered to parachute to safety, Mathies refused to abandon the wounded, unconscious pilot, choosing instead to remain aboard in a courageous attempt to save him. Observing the aircraft from another plane, his commanding officer initially ordered Mathies and the navigator to bail out, believing the aircraft was beyond their ability to land. However, they refused, stating that the pilot was still alive and could not be moved.
Attempting to land the aircraft, Mathies made two unsuccessful attempts before the bomber crashed in an open field on the third attempt, tragically killing him, the navigator, and the pilot. His actions displayed unparalleled bravery, selflessness, and commitment to his fellow airmen.
For his extraordinary heroism and gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, Staff Sergeant Archibald Mathies was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, securing his place among the most honored and revered heroes of World War II.
Medal of Honor Citation for Staff Sergeant Archibald Mathies
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action against the enemy during a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on February 20, 1944.
The aircraft on which Sergeant Mathies served as flight engineer and ball turret gunner was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters, resulting in the immediate death of the copilot, severe injuries rendering the pilot unconscious, wounds to the radio operator, and extensive damage to the aircraft. Despite these dire circumstances, Sergeant Mathies and his fellow crew members fought to regain control of the stricken bomber, successfully stabilizing it and flying it back to their home station. Upon arrival, they established radio contact with the control tower and reported their precarious situation.
Understanding the severity of their predicament, Sergeant Mathies and the navigator volunteered to attempt a landing. The remaining crew members were ordered to parachute to safety, leaving only Mathies and the navigator aboard. Observing the aircraft from another plane, Mathies’ commanding officer determined that the severely damaged bomber could not be safely landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to bail out.
Demonstrating unparalleled bravery and selflessness, Sergeant Mathies and the navigator refused to abandon their wounded pilot, declaring that he was still alive but could not be moved. They would not leave him behind. With no alternative, they were instructed to attempt the landing.
After two unsuccessful landing attempts, the aircraft crashed into an open field during their third and final effort. Sergeant Mathies, the navigator, and the wounded pilot perished in the crash.
For his extraordinary heroism, self-sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his comrades, Staff Sergeant Archibald Mathies was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, forever enshrining his name among the bravest who gave their lives in the service of their country.
