Melvin Mayfield

He attacked four caves despite a wound to his hand from fire

Melvin Mayfield was born at Salem, West Virginia, in March 1919. He entered the United States Army from Nashport, Ohio, in February 1941, before the country's entry into the Second World War. By the closing months of the Pacific campaign he was a corporal in Company D, 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division.

On 29 July 1945, two Filipino companies were held down by fire from a circular ridge in the Cordillera Mountains of Luzon. Mayfield decided to attack the positions that were preventing their movement. Moving between shell holes, he crossed exposed ground toward four caves on the crest.

He attacked the caves in succession with his carbine and grenades. Enemy fire continued around him as he worked from one defended position to another. Before he reached the final strongpoint, a machine-gun bullet destroyed his weapon and cut his left hand. He obtained more grenades and continued forward, helping destroy an observation post despite his wound.

The attack enabled the Filipino troops to overcome the remaining resistance and resume their advance. His Medal of Honor recognised the effect of this single soldier's initiative in a fight involving several companies. The award was announced on 31 May 1946, after the war had ended.

Mayfield left military service as a corporal and resumed civilian life in Ohio. He operated his own sawmill, work that required long hours and sustained physical labour. He later lived in the Frazeysburg area. He died on 19 June 1990 and was buried in Frazeysburg Cemetery. His wartime decorations remained with his family.