Paul F. Mansfield

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Paul F. Mansfield (12014911), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June, 1944, in France. Staff Sergeant Mansfield, leading a combat patrol, came upon a heavily wooded area known to contain snipers. His only approach lay across an open field. Staff Sergeant Mansfield, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved across the open field. Though immediately subjected to intense enemy sniper and machine gun fire, he fearlessly continued and located one of the machine guns. In the face of heavy enemy fire from this position, he destroyed the emplacement. He located other enemy positions by exposing himself to draw their fire, then signaled their location by the use of tracer bullets, enabling his platoon leader to direct accurate machine gun and mortar fire upon them. The personal bravery, aggressiveness and courage exhibited by Staff Sergeant Mansfield exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.