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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private] Daniel B. Mason (ASN: 39160969), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 22 September 1944, about one mile from ****, Holland. Staff Sergeant Mason, rifleman, volunteered as a member of a combat patrol to beat the enemy back and re-establish contact with the roadblock which was surrounded by a strong enemy force and was in danger of being wiped out, and was a vital factor in the defense of the sector. Staff Sergeant Mason, while leading this patrol and employing marching fire, forced the enemy to retreat, killing eight and capturing five of the enemy, thus re-establishing the contact with the roadblock. This deed has become an example and a legend to the men of his company and is a source of great credit, both to himself and the Airborne Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1943
    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 33 (September 15, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Daniel B. Mason (ASN: 39160969), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 10 July 1943, approximately six miles east of ****. Private Mason volunteered to go forward with Lieutenant Willis and locate gun positions of a strong force of Germany Infantry which was holding tack the 505th Parachute Infantry, 82d Airborne Division. Lieutenant Willis was killed by a sniper. Private Mason sought out the enemy and killed him with a .45 caliber pistol, then continued forward on his own initiative and under heavy fire to locate the positions, and brought back valuable information to the Commanding Officer of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.