The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert J. Mangan (MCSN: 351614), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, December 29, 1943. When a patrol became surrounded by hostile forces in a wooded gully, Sergeant Mangan unhesitatingly entered the hazardous area and, with daring initiative, effective diverted enemy fire. By his alert presence of mind, although wounded during this mission, he enabled our units to reorganize and continue their advance successfully. Sergeant Mangan’s dauntless courage and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.