The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Willie F. Mawson, Jr. (ASN: 39850484), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 11 August 1944, in France. On this date the ammunition dump of an Infantry battalion was subjected to an intense shelling from German artillery, hitting and setting fire to several vehicles loaded with ammunition. Technician Fifth Grade Mawson, and a comrade, fully aware of the fact that the ammunition might explode at any moment, voluntarily extinguished the fire on a one tone trailer of ammunition, Then, without a moment’s hesitation, they drove a blazing two-and-one-half ton truck out of the area and extinguished the fire. Upon returning to the dump, these men noticed a weapons carrier burning. Once more, with complete disregard for the hazards involved, Technician Fifth Grade Mawson and his comrade drove the burning vehicle to a place where it would not be able to cause more damage. The personal courage and bravery displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Mawson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.