The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Thomas A. Manol, Jr. (MCSN: 332878), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Pioneer Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces on Iwo Palau Islands, 17 September 1944. When the 75-mm.. ammunition dump of which he was in charge was hit by enemy shells and set afire, Corporal Manol swiftly organized, directed and personally led a small group of men into the blazing dump. Undeterred by exploding ammunition, he succeeded in extinguishing the conflagration, thereby saving vitally needed ammunition and preventing the spread of fire into other dumps. His keen judgment, exemplary leadership and courageous devotion to duty reflect great credit on Corporal Manol and the United States Naval Service.