The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Clyde V. Manning (ASN: 39696766), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 9 January 1945. As Company F, *** Infantry Regiment, was reorganizing and preparing defense in newly won positions near ****, the enemy launched a counterattack which threatened to overrun the left flank of the 2d Battalion position. Realizing the necessity for immediate action, Sergeant Manning, a communications sergeant, outlined the situation to a supporting tank platoon in the vicinity and, riding atop one of the tanks, led the tank platoon forward. From this exposed position, he directed the fire and movement of the attacking tanks. He shot and killed an enemy soldier whom he observed approaching his tank with a rocket launcher. Sergeant Manning’s intrepidity, initiative, and personal bravery contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit in repulsing the enemy attack. His gallant actions are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.