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 Private Jack Anthony Manna (ASN: 20215132), United States Army, for gallantry in actin while serving with the 27th Infantry Division, in action at *****, *****, on 23 June 1944. When an artillery reconnaissance group was trapped by enemy fire, Private Manna, as a member of a patrol sent to rescue the group, moved forward with the patrol until it was pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire, the patrol taking cover near a small house. An adjoining Marine patrol engaged on the same mission, called to Private Manna’s patrol requesting the hand grenades he delivered to them. He voluntarily left the cover of the house, crossed an open field then under heavy enemy fire and reached the Marine patrol, delivering the needed grenades. At that moment observing an enemy machine gun pointing directly at his position, he pushed an unidentified Marine out of the line of fire, just as the enemy machine gun fired. He returned the fire, silencing the machine gun, but was fatally wounded in the action. His courageous acts saved the life of one Marine, put an enemy machine gun out of action, and permitted the patrols to advance up the ridge toward their objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.