The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] William G. Mason (ASN: RA-13306256), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 13 February 1951, in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. Company H, in which he was a member of a machine gun squad, was under a severe enemy attack. When ammunition was vitally needed, although the enemy had located his position and were directing heavy fire upon it, Corporal Mason voluntarily left the position with one other man to go to the supply point over exposed terrain for a re-supply of ammunition. Although his comrade was struck and killed by hostile machine gun fire on the return trip, he successfully accomplished his mission and enabled the machine guns to continue firing. His gallant action contributed greatly to the success of his unit in repelling the overwhelming enemy attack. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Mason reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.