The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Howard E. Manwaring (MCSN: 867274), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Machine Gunner in a platoon of Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against Japanese forces Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands,, 15 April 1945. Determined to reduce the tremendous volume of enemy fire which slowed his platoon’s advance, Private First Class Manwaring unhesitatingly braved the fury of hostile bullets to place his machine gun in a position, from which he could maintain effective fire against the opposing forces, despite the fact that the selected spot was in the direct line of enemy fire. From this exposed position, he directed a steady barrage upon the defending troops, diverted the heavy enemy fire from his platoon to himself and annihilated several Japanese, effectively reducing the enemy’s firepower before he, himself, fell fatally wounded. By his dauntless initiative, unfaltering courage, and daring tactics, Private First Class Manwaring enabled his comrades to seize their objective with a minimum of casualties, thereby contributing essentially to the success of his company’s operations. His sustained fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.