The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Maynard E. Mahan (ASN: 35797195), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, on 10 May 1945, in the Philippine Islands. When they noticed a fie in their battalion’s ammunition dump near Lupac, Technician Fifth Grade Ralph W. Hughes and Staff Sergeant Maynard E. Mahan immediately rushed into the dump, despite the great danger of an immediate explosion. They removed four smoking white phosphorous grenades from the dump, carried them to a sand pit fifty yards away, and buried them. Their courageous action prevented an explosion and fire which would have caused great materiel loss. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Staff Sergeant Mahan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.