The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Don Manac (MCSN: 2599169), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company H, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 20 August 1970, Private First Class Manac was a member of a reaction force which was directed to relieve another Marine unit that had been pinned down by fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. Arriving at the site of the beleaguered unit, the reactionary force came under intense automatic weapons fire and, during the initial moments of the engagement, two Marine were seriously wounded. Observing that the casualties were lying in an open area, Private First Class Manac unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his comrades and seemingly heedless of the enemy rounds impacting around him, dragged them to a covered location. Having necessarily left their weapons behind, and determined to prevent their destruction or capture by the hostile force, he again braved the enemy fusillade as he retrieved the rifles but, before he could reach the safety of his platoon’s defensive, he was mortally wounded by automatic weapons fire. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Private First Class Manac upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.