The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] Manuel J. Silva (ASN: RA-6584830), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the morning of 15 August 1952, Company K, 3d Battalion, of which Sergeant Silva was a member, was assigned the mission of assaulting an enemy occupied hill in the vicinity of Chiro-dong, Korea. As the friendly forces began their assault they were subjected to an intense artillery barrage, disorganizing the men and inflicting a number of friendly casualties. Immediately Sergeant Silva regrouped the men, directed them to positions of cover and, with complete disregard for his personal safety, evacuated the friendly casualties. At last the numerical superior force and intense small arms and artillery fire of the enemy forced the friendly unit to withdraw from the attack. Later during the morning, Sergeant Silva led a squad in a flanking movement against the enemy. He fearlessly advanced upon the enemy positions, firing his rifle, throwing grenades and succeeding in killing four and wounding three of the foe. During this action, he was wounded by an enemy anti-tank grenade, but refused medical aid, continued to direct the attack, and assist in evacuating the wounded until his unit was ordered to withdraw. Sergeant Silva’s aggressive leadership and outstanding gallantry was directly responsible for a number of enemy dead and wounded and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class] Manuel J. Silva (ASN: RA-6584830), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company K, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On the night of 4 August 1952, elements of Company K were assigned the mission of assaulting a strongly fortified enemy position near Chokko-ri, Korea, and capturing a prisoner for intelligence purposes. After a brief contact was made with the enemy and the order to withdraw to more tenable positions was given, Sergeant Silva, the platoon sergeant, quickly and skillfully regrouped the assault element for an attack on the hostile positions over a more advantageous route. Placing himself at the head of the assault group, he spearheaded the attack, leading his men to within fifteen yards of the well-entrenched foe. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he crossed the open terrain and enticed the enemy forces to reveal their positions. Sergeant Silva then moved about the fire-swept terrain, shouting words of encouragement to his men and directing their fire. Upon breaking contact with the enemy, he remained behind to insure the safe withdrawal of all members of the friendly force. Sergeant Silva’s outstanding gallantry and devotion to his fellow soldier reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.