Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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World War II - U.S. Army

Melvin Mayfield

Details
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company D, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry,
    6th Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: July 29, 1945
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Cordillera Mountains, Luzon, Philippine Islands
Citation
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while fighting in the Cordillera Mountains of Luzon, Philippine Islands. When two Filipino companies were pinned down under a torrent of enemy fire that converged on them from a circular ridge commanding their position, Cpl. Mayfield, in a gallant singlehanded effort to aid them, rushed from shell hole to shell hole until he reached four enemy caves atop the barren fire-swept hill. With grenades and his carbine, he assaulted each of the caves while enemy fire pounded about him. However, before he annihilated the last hostile redoubt, a machine-gun bullet destroyed his weapon and slashed his left hand. Disregarding his wound, he secured more grenades and dauntlessly charged again into the face of point-blank fire to help destroy a hostile observation post. By his gallant determination and heroic leadership, Cpl. Mayfield inspired the men to eliminate all remaining pockets of resistance in the area and to press the advance against the enemy.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Nashport, Muskingum County, Ohio
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Born: March 12, 1919, Salem, Harrison County, WV, United States
  • Died: June 19, 1990, St. Louisville, OH, United States
  • Buried: Frazeysburg Cemetery (MH) (5-1), Frazeysburg, OH, United States
 

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