The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jose M. Mangual (MCSN: 2463614), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifleman with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 14 January 1970, while a platoon from Company F was moving toward a night defensive position, the Marines were pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-fortified positions in a nearby tree line. After pinpointing several principal sources of enemy fire, Private First Class Mangual seized three light anti-tank assault weapons and fearlessly crawled across the fire swept terrain to a vantage point near the enemy lines. Standing the full view of the hostile soldiers, he utilized one of his weapons to destroy the closet gun emplacement, killing two North Vietnamese Army soldiers. When he boldly stood up again in order to fire at another hostile bunker, he was seriously wounded. Painfully forcing himself back up into a sitting position, however he fired a second anti-tank rocket and destroyed the enemy target. Although considerably weakened by his wound, with his last remaining strength, he then attempted to fire at a third hostile emplacement, but was mortally wounded when the enemy soldiers concentrated all available fire on his exposed position. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in enabling his platoon to crash the North Vietnamese Army force’s resistance and drive them into a confused retreat. By his courage, bold initiative, and unfaltering devotion to duty, Private First Class Mangual 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.