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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Mayo S. Heath (ASN: 0-961830/38427624), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 1st Airborne Ranger Company, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 21 to 24 January 1951 in the vicinity of Naesil, Korea. During that period Lieutenant Heath led a series of patrols deep within enemy territory. Under his aggressive and undaunted leadership, his men struck at hostile patrols behind the enemy’s lines, annihilating several enemy forces who were harassing friendly troops. As a result of his daring tactics, the right flank of an infantry regiment was secured and enemy patrols operating in that sector were completely demoralized. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Heath reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    508th Parachute Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    82d Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    October 15 – 16, 1944
    Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 66 (December 20, 1944)

    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 First Class Mayo S. Heath (ASN: 0-961830/38427624), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 15 – 16 October 1944, near ****, Holland. Private First Class Heath, with one comrade, voluntarily patrolled to a point more than a mile behind enemy lines and remained in hostile territory more than twenty-four hours. They noted all German activity in the area and pin-pointed installations. On the return trip, they walked boldly through the German positions in the dark, greeting enemy soldiers with the word “comrade.” After crossing the dyke and canal, they decided to return to the hostile lines and bring out a prisoner. They greeted the first German found in a foxhole and forced him to leave quietly and returned to friendly lines. The prisoner and the information secured by Private First Class Heath and his companion proved of the highest value. His daring and efficient performance of a valuable service secured the first vital data in the sector, all previous patrols having failed to penetrate the enemy lines. The courage and skill displayed by Private First Class Heath was a credit to himself and to the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.