Corporal Melvin Mayfield of Company D, 20th Infantry, 6th Infantry Division, displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in the Cordillera Mountains of Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 29 July 1945. When 2 Filipino companies were pinned down under a torrent of enemy fire from a circular ridge commanding their position, he rushed from shell hole to shell hole in a single-handed effort to aid them until he reached 4 enemy caves atop the barren, fire-swept hill. Using grenades and his carbine, he assaulted each cave while enemy fire pounded around him. Before he annihilated the last hostile redoubt, a machine-gun bullet destroyed his weapon and slashed his left hand. Disregarding his wound, he obtained more grenades and again charged into point-blank fire to help destroy a hostile observation post. His gallant determination and heroic leadership inspired the men to eliminate all remaining pockets of resistance in the area and press the advance against the enemy.