Ens Ray Mathis (and seven other VT-1 pilots) left Alameda 21 Jan 1944 aboard the escort carrier USS Tulagi (CVE-72) to join VT-1 at Kaneohe Hawaii. He was probably considered one of the "FNG's" (new guys) as the squadron had already been together for about 8 months by that time.

USS Tulagi (CVE-72) muster report 21 Jan 1944

VT-1's first combat action was over Guam on June 12th 1944. Guam was heavily defended and the antiaircraft fire was reported as intense and accurate. Lt Merrell and crew were lost on the first strike that morning. Ens Ray Mathis flew on the sixth strike that day and launched from the USS Yorktown at about 4:03 pm. The names of his gunner and radioman are not known. They carried four 500-pound bombs in their bomb bay. Their designated target was initially a Japanese convoy located west of Guam but they were redirected to attack the airfield at Agana.

Aircraft Action Report #6 for 12 June 1944 Guam (pg1 of 5)

Ray Mathis (1920)