The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant John E. Mangels, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while assigned as the Company First Sergeant in Combat Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force CHOSIN, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 6 October 2006, in Afghanistan. His dedication to duty and personal performance in combat was instrumental to the unit’s success. First Sergeant Mangels’ actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the CHOSIN Battalion, the SPARTAN Brigade, Combined Joint Task Force-76, the United States Central Command, and the United States Army.