
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*MAUSERT,
FREDERICK W., III
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.) Place and date: Songnap-yong,
Korea, 12 September 1951. Entered service at: Dresher, Pa. Born: 2 May
1930, Cambridge, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving as a squad leader in Company B, in action against enemy
aggressor forces. With his company pinned down and suffering heavy casualties under
murderous machinegun, rifle, artillery, and mortar fire laid down from heavily fortificd,
deeply entrenched hostile strongholds on Hill 673, Sgt. Mausert unhesitatingly left his
covered position and ran through a heavily mined and fire-swept area to bring back 2
critically wounded men to the comparative safety of the lines. Staunchly refusing
evacuation despite a painful head wound sustained during his voluntary act, he insisted on
remaining with his squad and, with his platoon ordered into the assault moments later,
took the point position and led his men in a furious bayonet charge against the first of a
literally impregnable series of bunkers. Stunned and knocked to the ground when another
bullet struck his helmet, he regained his feet and resumed his drive, personally silencing
the machinegun and leading his men in eliminating several other emplacements in the area.
Promptly reorganizing his unit for a renewed fight to the final objective on top of the
ridge, Sgt. Mausert boldly left his position when the enemy's fire gained momentum and,
making a target of himself, boldly advanced alone into the face of the machinegun, drawing
the fire away from his men and enabling them to move into position to assault. Again
severely wounded when the enemy's fire found its mark, he still refused aid and continued
spearheading the assault to the topmost machinegun nest and bunkers, the last bulwark of
the fanatic aggressors. Leaping into the wall of fire, he destroyed another machinegun
with grenades before he was mortally wounded by bursting grenades and machinegun fire.
Stouthearted and indomitable, Sgt. Mausert, by his fortitude, great personal valor, and
extraordinary heroism in the face of almost certain death, had inspired his men to sweep
on, overrun and finally secure the objective. His unyielding courage throughout reflects
the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for
his country.
|