Following completion of basic training at Camp Wolters, TX, Pvt Mayo S. Heath was transferred to Hq Hq, 508th PIR on 26 Jan 1943.

Pvt Heath arrived just in time to go through parachute school with the regiment and was declared a qualified parachutist on 12 March 1943.

Pfc Heath participated in the jump into Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944. His performance of duties during combat resulted in the award of the Silver Star.

He was also recognized, perhaps during the Holland campaign, with the Bronze Star Medal.

Following the war he took advantage of the GI Bill and graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserves.

In February 1951, First Lieutenant Heath's Ranger Unit was assigned to the 23rd Infantry Regimental Combat Team.

On February 11, 1961, the Chinese sent the entirety of the 39th Army, and divisions of the 40th and 42nd armies to completely encircle the town of Chip'yong-ni (Kyonggi-Do), South Korea.

For the next three days the enemy launched continuous attacks from every quarter.

When the Chinese forces broke through the 23rd RCT's perimeter, the 1st Ranger Company was in reserve. The Combat Team's Commander ordered a counter attack to reestablish the perimeter. First Lieutenant Heath was killed leading the attack. Inspired by Lieutenant Heath's bravery, his men continued the attack driving the enemy from his newly won positions.

Lt Heath's bravery was recognized with the award of an Oak Leaf Cluster for the Silver Star.

In 1994, 1st Lt. Mayo S. Heath was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame, Ft. Benning, GA for distinguishing himself in action while serving with the United States Army Rangers during the Korean War.

Source of information: http://www.508pir.org/taps/graves/h/heath_ms.htm