The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Corporal] Oliver R. Mabson (ASN: US-52060249), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on 19 October 1951. His company had the mission of taking and securing Objective KING, a steep and rugged mountainous terrain feature held by a well-entrenched enemy force. As a member of the assaulting element, Sergeant Mabson was advancing up a ridge when the group was subjected to a tremendous volume of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire. Nevertheless, the friendly troops continued to advance until an increased concentration of flanking fire pinned them down. Several casualties were suffered and could not be evacuated. Completely disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Mabson advanced into the withering enemy fire and set up his recoilless rifle in an exposed position on the skyline, obtaining an unrestricted view of the enemy emplacements. Firing round after round into the hostile bunkers and communication trenches, he enabled his comrades to withdraw. However, he drew heavy enemy fire upon himself. Undaunted, he remained exposed, destroying three enemy automatic weapons positions, killing at least thirteen hostile soldiers and wounding five others. Not until his ammunition was exhausted did he leave to rejoin his unit. Corporal Mabson’s courageous action, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to his comrades reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.