The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Abraham Isaac Mandel (MCSN: 879470), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Tank Section of Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 June 1951. During a determined attack against strongly defended enemy positions, Staff Sergeant Mandel skillfully led his tank unit well forward of the advancing infantrymen in a bold attempt to engage hostile forces moving up to commanding ground. Quick to realize the serious threat to his section and to the attacking troops when his tanks were subjected to intense enemy automatic weapons fire from well-concealed positions to the rear, he bravely emerged from the turret of his vehicle to locate the hostile strong points and delivered devastating counterfire with the turret gun. Mortally wounded by enemy fire during the intensive action, Staff Sergeant Mandel, by his courageous leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.