The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant Donald P. Mason (ASN: 6989292), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on Kilay Ridge, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 12 and 21 November 1944. When his right flank squad was held up by enemy machine gun and rifle fire during an advance to dominating high ground, Sergeant Mason, as an acting platoon leader of Company A, 34th Infantry Regiment, pressed the attack with his remaining two squads. Achieving the objective, he was immediately attacked by an enemy force superior in numbers and in fire power and employing rifles, grenades, machine guns and mortars. Without artillery or mortar support and with but one machine gun, Sergeant Mason heroically directed and exhorted his men to repel three determined enemy assaults in close in, bitter fighting. Then, receiving orders to relinquish the position, he executed a skillful daylight withdrawal. Nine days later, when his platoon was occupying a rear defensive position on Kilay Ridge, a strong enemy force bypassed and isolated a forward company and struck at the 20 men left in his platoon. Through his inspiring leadership all attacks were bloodily repulsed, the forward company was relieved, and the battalion’s line of defense was secured. Wounded during the battle, he would not leave until his second in command had been completely informed of the situation. By his heroic devotion to duty and aggressive leadership in spite of almost overwhelming odds, Sergeant Mason played a vital role in the success of the 34th Infantry Regiment in the Leyte operation. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 24th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.