The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Philip Vincent Mandra (MCSN: 1150419), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 and 6 July 1952. When a numerically superior hostile force launched a determined assault while he was participating in the defense of a combat outpost in advance of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Mandra bravely maintained his position in the face of intense enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire, seized an automatic weapon and delivered effective counterfire on the hostile troops, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers. Encountering one of the enemy armed with an automatic gun while he was maneuvering his fire team in a tight defensive perimeter around the outpost, Sergeant Mandra immediately charged and killed the intruder with his bayonet. Throughout the remainder of the night, he rendered invaluable assistance to the outpost commander, constantly encouraging the men and administering first aid to the wounded. By his outstanding courage, exceptional leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant Mandra served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.