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 machine gun, rifle, artillery,
and mortar fire laid down from heavily fortified, 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 machine gun 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 machine gun, 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 machine gun nest and bunkers, the last bulwark
of the fanatic aggressors. Leaping into the wall of fire, he
destroyed another machine gun with grenades before he was
mortally wounded by bursting grenades and machine gun 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.
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