The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Manuel Perez (MCSN: 316137), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company G, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 September 1950. When a well-entrenched hostile force subjected his platoon to devastating small arms fire during a company maneuver to close the gap between two friendly units, Staff Sergeant Perez quickly moved forward with a fire team and succeeded in locating the enemy’s exposed right flank without drawing hostile fire. Supported by a base of fire from the remaining members of his platoon, he skillfully directed the small unit in destroying the flanking position of the enemy, thereby greatly aiding in inflicting fifty casualties upon the hostile troops with no further casualties to his platoon. By his outstanding leadership, daring initiative and zealous devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Perez contributed materially to establishing contact with adjacent friendly units and served to inspire all who observed him. His courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.