The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John Hubert Mathews (ASN: 0-18626), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Executive Officer, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on ** July 1943, in the vicinity of ***, Sicily. Lieutenant Colonel Mathews, the Regiment Executive Officer, assumed command of the *** Battalion after the commanding officer was wounded. Learning of a concerted drive by six Mark *** tanks against a viral crossroads, Lieutenant Colonel Mathews braved violent strafing and bombing attacks to locate seven nearby tanks, which were just moving inland. In an unprotected quarter-ton car, Lieutenant Colonel Mathews led our tanks to within 200 yards of the oncoming enemy tanks, under the direct fire of the enemy armor. He remained at his exposed position without the least concern for his own safety, directing the fire of the supporting tanks, and organizing his own troops, until the enemy threat was beaten off. His courage, bravery, and heroic leadership inspired the men of his command to such determined aggressiveness as to result in the fall of the highly strategic town. Lieutenant Colonel Mathews’ heroic, inspiring leadership and dauntless actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.