The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Quintin Mason (MCSN: 0-41958), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader, attached to Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 5 May 1945. Braving a devastating barrage of machine-gun, mortar and rifle fire laid down by the enemy during an attack by his platoon against a heavily defended position, Second Lieutenant Mason courageously led his men forward and, throughout the bitterly fought engagement, moved along the front line area to direct the full fire power of his platoon against the emplacement. When one of his men fell wounded in the line of fire during the action, he unhesitatingly risked his life in a valiant attempt to effect a rescue and, fearlessly exposing himself to the intense shellfire, advanced to the wounded man and brought him to safety. By his forceful leadership, great personal valor and unwavering perseverance in the face of grave peril, Second Lieutenant Mason saved the life of a man who otherwise might have perished, and contributed materially to the success of our operations against the enemy. His conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.