For gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Private First Class Mathys distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 24 May 1969 while serving as a Medical Aidman with Company A, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Kien Hoa Province. When his platoon became engaged with a numerically superior force, Private Mathys saw that a machine gunner was wounded and unable to move from his exposed position. Without regard for his personal safety, Private Mathys advanced through the enemy fire across open terrain, sustaining a gunshot wound, to reach the man. Ignoring his own wound, he treated the wounded man, then helped him to a cover position from which he could be evacuated. He then returned to the battle, refusing treatment for his wound, and continued to treat the casualties. Private First Class Mathys' extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.