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World War II
Melvin Mayfield
Corporal · U.S. Army
U.S. Army, Company D, 20th Infantry, 6th Infantry Division
29 July 1945 · Cordillera Mountains, Luzon, Philippine Islands
- Branch
- U.S. Army
- Era
- World War II
- Home state
- Ohio
- Action
- Cordillera Mountains, Luzon, Philippine Islands
The citation
Official citation
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while fighting in the Cordillera Mountains of Luzon, Philippine Islands. When 2 Filipino companies were pinned down under a torrent of enemy fire that converged on them from a circular ridge commanding their position, Corporal. Mayfield, in a gallant single-handed effort to aid them, rushed from shell hole to shell hole until he reached 4 enemy caves atop the barren fire-swept hill. With grenades and his carbine, he assaulted each of the caves while enemy fire pounded about him. However, before he annihilated the last hostile redoubt, a machinegun bullet destroyed his weapon and slashed his left hand. Disregarding his wound, he secured more grenades and dauntlessly charged again into the face of pointblank fire to help destroy a hostile observation post. By his gallant determination and heroic leadership, Corporal. Mayfield inspired the men to eliminate all remaining pockets of resistance in the area and to press the advance against the enemy.