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 Hershel V. Mayo (ASN: 35774560), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. When enemy troops approached his company’s position on a hill top overlooking St. Die, France, on the afternoon of 28 October 1944, Private First Class Mayo, 60-mm. mortar gunner, ran 200 yards forward to intercept them and killed one and wounded one with sub-machine gun fire. He then opened fire on another enemy group 30 yards distant, killing three and wounding two more enemy. After alerting the company, Private First Class Mayo further disorganized the enemy with mortar fire enabling the company to drive the enemy attack off with heavy casualties. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.