The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Merle J. Manley (MCSN: 492141), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Tank Commander of Company A, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 June 1951. Advancing his tank up a draw in support of attacking rifle companies when intense plunging enemy fire from the slopes on either side of the draw pinned down the accompanying infantrymen and seriously wounded one Marine, Sergeant Manley quickly dismounted from his tank, ran across one hundred yards of fire-swept terrain to the wounded man and carried him to a covered position. Returning to his tank, he skillfully maneuvered it in order to afford cover for the remaining infantrymen and, again moving through the devastating hostile fire to reach the wounded man, succeeded in evacuating him to the battalion aid station, thereby undoubtedly saving the life of his comrade. By his outstanding bravery, daring initiative and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, Sergeant Manley served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.