The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Manuel P. Martinez (MCSN: 831123), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Platoon Sergeant of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 12 March 1945. When mortar fire from a hostile cave inflicted heavy casualties on our forces, Sergeant Martinez volunteered to lead a patrol deep into enemy territory and, after approaching the fortification from the rear, attacked and destroyed the Japanese strong point with demolitions. Subsequently discovering another cave harboring a number of enemy, he deployed his men in a grenade attack and, after entering the cave alone, killed fifteen Japanese troops. His outstanding courage and leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.