The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Leonard John Mason, Jr. (NSN: 0-88341), United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action as pilot of a Torpedo Plane. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mason participated in a strike against warships of the Japanese fleet off the Mariana Islands on 20 June 1944. Boldly countering fierce enemy fighter opposition and flying through intense anti-aircraft fire from guns of all caliber including Japanese battleship and cruiser main battery fire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Mason pressed daringly to within point-blank range of his targets in a well coordinated and vigorous attack which resulted in three torpedo hits and four possible hits being scored on the hostile warships. 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 Naval Service.