Robert Mathis graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1948. As a fighter pilot he flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning a Silver Star in Korea and the DFC in each of the two wars. From 1980 to 1982 he served as the 18th Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He retired in 1982 as a U.S. Air Force 4-Star General.
Sponsored by:
Robert
Couth
Mathis
1927
–
April 27, 2016
Born:
Eagle Pass
,
Texas
Home:
Eagle Pass
,
Texas
Buried:
Bozeman
,
Montana
Cemetery:
Sunset Hills Cemetery
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Couth Mathis, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the senior U.S. adviser to the Vietnamese air force with IV Corps in the Mekong Delta, Republic of Vietnam, from 1967 – 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mathis and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Robert Couth Mathis, United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 1982. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Mathis culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
51st Fighter GroupAction Date:
Korean War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Robert Couth Mathis, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 51st Fighter Group, in Korea, from 1950 to 1951. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Robert Couth Mathis, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 1982. The distinctive accomplishments of General Mathis reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Couth Mathis, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Project Officer in the Development Division, Air Force Weapons Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, from 1963 to 1966. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Mathis and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Couth Mathis, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an A-1 Pilot and as the senior U.S. adviser to the Vietnamese air force with IV Corps in the Mekong Delta, Republic of Vietnam, from 1967 – 1968. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
51st Fighter-Interceptor GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
November 26, 1950
Headquarters, I Corps, General Orders No. 87 (June 30, 1951)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to First Lieutenant Robert Couth Mathis (AFSN: 17787A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane with the 51st Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in Korea, on the night of 26 November 1950. While serving as a volunteer in a ground assignment as a Forward Air Controller with the South Korean army, his forward position was overrun by members of the Chinese army. First Lieutenant Mathis was shot and slightly wounded but evaded capture by escaping on a retreating American tank. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Mathis, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.