The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Manuel Avalos, Jr. (MCSN: 2080450), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, First Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 2 March 1966, the platoon in which Corporal Avalos was serving as a Fire Team Leader was subjected to intense enemy fire and became pinned down in an open field near the hamlet of Ngoc Kinh. Exhibiting exceptional valor and disregard for his own safety, Corporal Avalos on four occasions left his position of relative safety to advance through the murderous enemy fire and bring wounded Marines back to an area where they could receive medical treatment. In the course of the firefight, when both his squad leader and another fire team leader became casualties, Corporal Avalos unhesitatingly assumed command of the squad. With keen judgment and daring initiative, he skillfully maneuvered the fire teams in a manner which enabled his squad to be the only Marine unit which reached a treeline surrounding the village. From this position, extremely effective fire was directed at the deeply entrenched enemy force. His resolute effort throughout the engagement was a source of inspiration to all who observed him. By his outstanding professional skill, fortitude in the face of enemy fire and unfaltering dedication to duty throughout, Corporal Avalos upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.