Salem in Harrison County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Melvin Mayfield

— Congressional Medal of Honor —

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 11, 2021

1. Melvin Mayfield Marker

Inscription. Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company D, 20th Infantry, 6th Infantry Division. • Place and date: Cordillera Mountains, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 29 July 1945 • Entered service at: Nashport, Ohio • Birth: Salem, W. Va. • G.O. No.: 49, 31 May 1946.

Citation:
He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while fighting in the cordillera Mountains of Luzon, Philippine Islands. When 2 Filipino companies were pinned down under a torrent of enemy fire that converged on them from a circular ridge commanding their position, Cpl. Mayfield, in a gallant single-handed effort to aid them, rushed from shell hole to shell hole until he reached 4 enemy caves atop the barren fire-swept hill. With grenades and his carbine, he assaulted each of the caves while enemy fire pounded about him. However, before he annihilated the last hostile redoubt, a machinegun bullet destroyed his weapon and slashed his left hand. Disregarding his wound, he secured more grenades and dauntlessly charged again into the face of pointblank fire to help destroy a hostile observation post. By his gallant determination

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and heroic leadership, Cpl. Mayfield inspired the men to eliminate all remaining pockets of resistance in the area and to press the advance against the enemy.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1946.

Location. 39° 16.979′ N, 80° 33.81′ W. Memorial is in Salem, West Virginia, in Harrison County. It is on West Main Street 0.1 miles east of West Virginia Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 230 W Main St, Salem WV 26426, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in West Virginia’s Little Kanawha Valley.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

Melvin Mayfield Memorial and Salem Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 11, 2021

2. Melvin Mayfield Memorial and Salem Marker

walking distance of this marker: Salem (here, next to this marker); Salem Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); World War II Honor Roll (a few steps from this marker); Salem Fork Pilot Watershed (a few steps from this marker); Salem World War I Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Salem at the Turn of the Century (approx. ¼ mile away); Ramage Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Salem Depot (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 900 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 25, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.