Thomas C. Mather

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Thomas C. Mather (0-8424), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Officer in Charge of two half- track tank destroyers of the FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 23 – 24 October 1942. When the half-tracks under his command sustained two casualties during heavy machine-gun and mortar fire which preceded a hostile tank attack launched against a position held by the FIRST Marine Division at Matanikau river, Second Lieutenant Mather was rendered unconscious by concussion from a mortar explosion. Immediately upon recovery, with utter disregard for his own condition, he mounted one of the half-tracks, fired the gun, and directed the attack on the enemy tanks until, under his skillful and effective control, the tank destroyer disabled five 15-ton tanks. His courageous initiative and timely aggressiveness in a critical emergency were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, (November 9, 1942)