Staff Sgt. Archibald Mathies Medal of Honor, 1944 After enemy fighters severely damaged his bomber and incapacitated the pilots, ball turret gunner Archibald Mathies and his fellow crewmen flew it back to their base. With one crewman too hurt to be moved, Mathies volunteered to attempt to land the bomber after the remainder of the crew bailed out. Sadly, Mathies was killed in the ensuing crash. Click here to return to the Distinguished Enlisted Overview.