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 Willard C. Maxon (ASN: 18002408), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Mandog Hill, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, on 8 June 1945. The Japanese attacked Private First Class Maxon’s company positions at dawn when visibility was poor. The Japanese gained fire superiority by using a machine gun and 40 or 50 riflemen, firing and throwing grenades, and were so close that the men could not raise up to fire without exposing themselves. Without regard for his own personal safety, Private First Class Maxon exposed himself to the enemy to employ his Browning Automatic Rifle to better advantage, and the Japanese on the hill began firring at him. He took careful aim at the machine gun, killed the gunner and damaged the gun. Then seeing a Japanese officer leading some riflemen forward, he killed the officer and two men and wounded a number of others. At this time Private First Class Maxon was the focal point of the enemy fire. The other members of his platoon were able to get into firing positions and turn back the attack. The enemy withdrew firing steadily on the position. Private First Class Maxon, running short of ammunition, turned his gun over to another man and ran back to the other side of the perimeter for a new supply. Carrying a heavy belt of Browning Automatic Rifle magazines he ran from hole to hole as the enemy tried desperately to stop him. Taking over his gun again, he kept up a steady fire on the enemy until they withdrew. Private First Class Maxon’s disregard for his own personal safety and his quick judgement turned back the attack and his heroic actions are a credit to himself and the military service.