The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Manuel V. Guerrero (MCSN: 488702), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with a company of the Second Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Cape Torokina Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 19 November 1943. When his company was ordered to withdraw from its position during an engagement with enemy troops, leaving a wounded Marine behind, Private First Class Guerrero obtained permission to return to the bank of the Piva River in an attempt to evacuate his injured comrade. Abandoning all equipment except three hand grenades, he braved intense hostile machine-gun fire and proceeded to the wounded man’s position. Removing him to a relatively safe place, he administered first aid but was unable to effect evacuation without help. With his comrade menaced by an enemy machine-gun nest, he fearlessly advanced throwing grenades and probably destroying the weapon before returning to his own lines for assistance. A loyal and indomitable fighter, Private First Class Guerrero demonstrated extreme bravery, splendid initiative and a valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.