The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) John R. Manning (ASN: 0-359138), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 25 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Captain Manning, Assistant S-3, 319th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, while inspecting forward artillery observation posts in the **** area, observed three squads of German Infantry moving in and taking positions to cut off a friendly infantry platoon holding the position. Disregarding his personal safety, he immediately made his way to the position to find it under attack by a superior number of the enemy supported by tanks and flame throwers. He immediately assumed command and with the utmost coolness and courage set about reorganizing the position to withstand the attack. He personally took over the artillery radio and called for fire on the attacking forces within fifty yards of the position. He stayed by the radio to direct fire though the enemy tanks were laying down a heavy direct fire and the flame throwers were putting flame into the position. He brought fire down to within forty yards of the position and called for volley after volley even though fragmentation was falling close by. By his coolness, courage and devotion to duty the attack was repulsed, and artillery fire which he had directed made it possible for the infantry to hold the position. His outstanding conduct under fire was an example and an inspiration to all the men in the position, and exemplified the best traditions of the Airborne Forces of the United States Army.