Willie F. Mawson, Jr.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Grade 5 Willie F. Mawson, Jr. 120th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 11 August 1944 in France. On this date the ammunition dump of an infantry battalion was subjected to an intense shelling from German artillery, hitting and setting fire to several vehicles loaded with ammunition. Technician Mawson, and a comrade, fully aware of the fact that the ammunition might explode at any moment, voluntarily extinguished the fire on a one ton trailer of ammunition. Then without a moment’s hesitation, they drove a blazing two and one half ton truck out of the area and extinguished the fire. Upon returning to the dump, these men noticed a weapons carrier burning. Once more, with complete disregard for the hazards involved, Technician Mawson and his comrade drove the burning vehicle to a place where it would not be able to cause more damage. The personal courage and bravery displayed by Technician Mawson reflect the highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces.