The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Manuel C. Centeno (ASN: RA-18360076), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 21 May 1951, in the vicinity of Paknam-gol, Korea. On that date he was an automatic rifleman assigned to the 2d platoon of an infantry company which had been ordered to attack and secure an enemy strong point atop a ridge line after a heavy concentration of preparatory fire from the air and artillery had failed to dislodge the enemy. As the company moved forward, with the 2d platoon in the lead, and approached to within 100 yards of its objective, it was suddenly pinned down by heavy enemy grenade and automatic weapons fire. Corporal Centeno, realizing the seriousness of the situation and without regard for his personal safety, inched his way forward to an exposed position from which he could bring more accurate fire upon the enemy. So effective was his fire that he destroyed two enemy machine gun emplacements, thus enabling his unit to resume its advance. As a result of his continued exposure he was mortally wounded. The gallant conduct and devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Centeno reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.