Paul PAUL Mason

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second award of the Silver Star. For heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 March 1970. Lieutenant Mason distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader in Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry, in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat operation, Lieutenant Mason’s unit was engaged by small arms and automatic weapons fire, hand grenades, and rocket propelled grenade fire from an estimated platoon of North Vietnamese Army regulars. Lieutenant Mason maneuvered to where the hostile fire was heaviest and organized and directed the return fire of his men. Several friendly soldiers had been seriously wounded in the initial contact, and Lieutenant Mason moved them to safety. As he was doing so, however, he himself was wounded by enemy shrapnel. His actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the safety of several wounded men. Lieutenant Mason’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Paul Mason for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 March 1970. Lieutenant Mason distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader in Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry, in defense of Fire Support Base Granite, Republic of Vietnam. When the fire base was attacked by an enemy force, Lieutenant Mason rushed to the area of contact and directed a heavy volume of suppressive rifle fire. He directed the fire of his men and led a counterattack. Repeatedly Lieutenant Mason moved under fire from position to position directing the defense of the perimeter. Several times he maneuvered through intense enemy automatic weapons fire to reach wounded soldiers, administer medical treatment, and carry them to safety. His actions contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the fire base and the defeat of the enemy force. Lieutenant Mason’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.