Photo of Donald E. Mathias in uniform

Photo of Donald E. Mathias in uniform

WWII
World War II
Navy
Bethany, IL.
Mt. Zion, IL.

Herald and Review Library: Mathias, Donald E., Article on back of photo; by-line Martha Williams of H&R Staff; "Donald E. Mathias, fireman first class, of Bethany, is home with the story of bravery and coolness displayed by the crew of the aircraft carrier Franklin after it was hit by Jap dive bombers March 19. 'I was asleep on the bird desk when the first explosion knocked me out of my bunk, I went to my station, but it had been destroyed. I ran back down to the hangar deck to see if I could help. the ship was listing and vibrating from the explosions which were all around me; sometimes they sounded as if they were right under me. I tried to get to the other side of the ship, but I was trapped in a compartment for four and a half hours with 23 other men. Sergeant Joe King of the marines from Brooklyn, N.Y., and a fellow called Angel led us in prayer and kept us calm. During those four hours even the firmest unbeliever saw the light, and we were all thankful to be able to pray.' Fireman Mathias is a son of Mrs. Aletha Mathias of Bethany, and grandson of Clarence Walker of Mt. Zion and Mrs. Anna Mathias of Bethany. He entered the navy about a year ago."

Herald and Review

Decatur, IL.

Decatur Public Library, Decatur, IL.

5/20/1945

Decatur Herald and Review

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unknown

.jpg
600 dpi

English

photograph

AF504

World War II

photograph

5.75 x 8"