John D. Mathis

HISTORY OF JOHN D. MATHIS POST 2

Jan. 17, 2021

In 1921 the John D. Mathis Post in Americus got its temporary charter, making it the second American Legion post in Georgia.

Mar. 15, 1922

In 1922 the John D. Mathis Post #2 of the American Legion, in Americus, was formally chartered, although it was the first one organized in Georgia.

LIEUT. JOHN D. MATHIS

Americus, Georgia

Killed in Action

John Dawkins Mathis was born 3 August 1890 in Buena Vista, Georgia, son of Dr. Evan T. & Jessie (Lane) Mathis.  He grew up in Americus, Georgia, and at the time of his enlistment in the United States Army, he was a bank clerk.   His siblings include, Emory, Hattie, Jessie, Linda, Lula, Thomas, Evan T., and Theodosia.

John D. Mathis was called into active service as 1st Lt. Infantry, on August 15, 1917, commission at officer’s training camp, Ft. McPherson, Georgia.  He served in the 23rd Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division.  He began overseas service on 6 September 1917, and was killed in action, on 6 June 1918 in the Chateau Thierry Sector.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. “He was leading a platoon on the first day of the Chateau Thierry battle and, it was claimed by the commander-in-chief, that Lieutenant Mathis showed conspicuous bravery and ability, fearlessly going forward at the head of his command through hostile machine gun fire.” [The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta Georgia, 25 October 1918, page 6]

1st Lieut. John D. Mathis was buried in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, in Picardie, France.  A cenotaph exists in Oak Grove Cemetery, Sumter Co. GA. John D. Mathis Post 2, Americus, Georgia, was named in his honor.