The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Richard D. Manning (ASN: 0-1298563), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 4 January 1945. During fierce action near Mande-St. Etienne, Belgium, an attack launched by Lieutenant Manning’s battalion was stopped by heavy fire short of its objective. Without hesitation Lieutenant Manning led his platoon in a daring bayonet charge up an open snow covered hill into the edge of a woods, then advanced alone against an enemy fortification. He assaulted the position and killed its six defenders. Again in the lead of his platoon he successfully attacked two German machine gun nests and although wounded continued on for six hundred yards to the battalion objective. The fearless, inspiring leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Manning, and his courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.