The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Armor) George Mason (ASN: 0-61862), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Tank Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 November 1950 in the vicinity of Pugwon, Korea. On that day the enemy, with overwhelming numbers, launched a heavy attack and drove elements of the battalion to which he was attached with a tank platoon to a point behind the tanks. Lieutenant Mason was given the mission of blocking a road leading to the battalion area. Although rocket launchers and grenades were being used by the enemy against the tanks he held his ground and continued to fire upon the enemy. Upon loosing communication with the other tanks in his platoon, Lieutenant Mason, without regard for his own safety, ran from tank to tank placing them in the best possible firing positions. During this time he received a painful injury to his ankle. Upon realizing that communication had been severed between a heavy mortar company and the forward observer and knowing that the mortars were not effective without an observer, he voluntary to observe for the mortars. Standing in the open hatch of his tank and ignoring the heavy enemy fire, he directed the mortar fire until he was ordered to withdraw. He then refused to return to the aid station until daylight and the enemy had been forced to withdraw. His gallant action allowed the tanks to repulse the attack of the enemy and the battalion to hold its position. His gallantry and high devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.