Lance-Sergeant L.J. Mahon M.M.

At BLACKPOOL Block, near Pinbaw, Burma, on the night of May 14/15, 1944, No. 2 Platoon, 41 Coln were occupying the position known as DEEP. This locality had been subject to heavy infantry attack and shelling during the preceding two nights and was under constant fire from snipers during the day. On the night May 14/15 frequent attacks were made against the position all being repelled with heavy loss to the enemy. L/Sgt. Mahoon was in command of a Section occupying one of the two forward section posts. After the dawn attack the enemy withdrew after suffering heavy casualties leaving at least four snipers covering the forward posts. The gunner in the L.M.G. pit of L/Sgt. Mahon's section was killed and the No. 2 wounded. Several attempts were made to reach the wounded man but all failed. The Platoon Comd Lieut. T. Jordan directed L.M.G. fire and grenades on to all suspected sniper post in an attempt to dislodge them. Immediately afterwards he moved back dragging the wounded man with him. L/Sgt. Mahon with utmost bravery and complete disregard for his own safety had dashed to the trench and pulled out the wounded man. He was subject to rapid automatic fire from a sniper throughout his action.

Throughout the campaign L/Sgt. Mahon's conduct has been of the highest order and his leadership and personal example has been an inspiration to his section and platoon. On two previous occasions during the campaign he accounted for enemy tree snipers by his single-handed action.

(Signed) J.Masters, Major, A/Comd. 'Profound'
(Signed) D.Tulloch, Brig.