Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Hospital Corpsman Donald E. Mason (NSN: 3273728), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 12 October 1952. Serving as a Corpsman, Hospitalman Mason displayed unbelievable courage and professional skill in the performance of his duties while under heavy enemy fire. When the platoon was pinned down by heavy enemy machine-gun and automatic-weapons fire forward of the main line of resistance, Mason unhesitatingly moved about the devastated area to administer first aid and to lend words of encouragement to the many wounded Marines. Although painfully wounded himself and temporarily blinded by the searing flash burns of an enemy concussion grenade which exploded directly in front of him, he steadfastly continued to render medical treatment to other casualties. Informed that a comrade was seriously wounded and was unable to be moved, he requested to be taken by the hand and led to the side of the stricken man where he succeeded in applying a difficult splint by sense of touch. By his courageous initiative, resolute fortitude and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Mason served to inspire all who observed him and was instrumental in saving the lives of many wounded Marines, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received