Presidential Statement in Memory of
Richard G. Matthiesen

On January 4, 1946, President Harry S. Truman
and the United States Maritime Commission posthumously
awarded the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service
Medal to Able Seaman Richard G. Matthiesen.

The following statement was given by President
Truman in the presentation of the special war medal.

For heroism beyond the call of duty.

During the initial invasion of the Philippine
Islands at Tacloban, Leyte, the SS Marcus Daly,
on which Matthiesen was serving, carried troops
and vital war materiel and, with two other vessels,
afforded the principal defenses of the port for
several days. During six days and nights of incessant
fighting, while troops were being disembarked and her
cargo safely discharged, the vessel was at times the
only fire power defending the vital Leyte docks.
Matthiesen volunteered and served as a member of gun
crew which distinguished itself during countless
attacks by repulsing the enemy and bringing down
many planes.

Two months later, on a subsequent arrival in the
Philippines, this same vessel was again attacked
by enemy bombers. Again Matthiesen served as a
volunteer member of the forward gun crew during the
engagement in which his ship shot down several Japanese
aircraft.

One of these bombers after being hit, crashed and
exploded under the forward gun platform where
Matthiesen was serving. Despite injuries and severe
burns, he escaped from the platform, but realizing
that two members of the Navy gun crew remained behind,
he returned through the intense heat and rescued them
from the flames. The following morning Matthiesen
died from the resulting burns and other injuries.

His indomitable courage and unselfish impulse to go to
the aid of shipmates in peril were in keeping with
the highest traditions of the United States Merchant
Marine.

Date of Action: December 5, 1944
Matthiesen was 18 years old.

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I wish to commend to you the valor of the merchant
seamen participating with us in the liberation of
the Philippines. With us they have shared the
heaviest enemy fire. On this island I have ordered
them off their ships and into fox holes when their
ships became untenable targets of attack. At our side
they have suffered in bloodshed and in death. The
caliber of efficiency and the courage they displayed
in their part of the invasion of the Philippines
marked their conduct throughout the entire campaign
in the southwest Pacific area. They have contributed
tremendously to our success. I hold no branch in higher
esteem than the Merchant Marine service.
General Douglas MacArthur