The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Leonard Maurice Mason (MCSN: 0-5375), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), in the landing at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. When the persistent and extremely heavy fire from enemy machine guns, mortars and an emplaced field gun inflicted numerous casualties on his battalion, sank some of the assault boats and diverted the remainder from their designated landing points, Major Mason, inspiring his men by his own high courage, led the boat team ashore and rushed them to positions in the bush. Continually exposing himself to the intense hostile fire, he immediately established a command post, then made his way among the scattered groups of his battalion and skillfully coordinated their valiant but disorganized attacks on the Japanese, subsequently restoring order in the vicinity and enabling his men to rejoin their units and press on to their previously assigned objectives. Although twice attacked and severely wounded by machine-gun fire and grenades, major Mason refused to be evacuated, remaining at his post and continuing to direct the action until his executive officer reported to him to assume command. His brilliant leadership and heroic devotion to duty throughout this furious battle were largely responsible for the success of the entire landing attack by his battalion in this area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.