The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John L. Mansfield (ASN: 0-5337763), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Mansfield distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 9 May 1968 while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade. On that date, Company A was engaged in an assault against a large and well equipped enemy force. The first platoon was the lead element in the operation and made the first contact with the enemy. First Lieutenant Mansfield led the first platoon in their gallant assault up Hill 480. His element immediately came under heavy automatic weapons fire, and were subject to a heavy grenade and mortar attack from the well fortified enemy positions. Two hostile bunkers near Lieutenant Mansfield’s position were limiting his men’s actions. With complete disregard for his own safety and sole concern for his men’s lives and the success of the mission, Lieutenant Mansfield attacked and destroyed each bunker. After destroying the two enemy positions, he drew intense enemy fire from other hostile positions. He then low crawled under heavy direct fire to save one of his men who was seriously wounded. Arriving at the wounded man’s location, he laboriously dragged the man back to safety. His heroic efforts led directly to the success of the assault and the defeat of the enemy. First Lieutenant Mansfield’s gallant actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.