The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) David V. Manhan (ASN: 0-438674), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, *** Field Artillery Battalion (Pack), in action against the enemy on 5 November 1944, in the vicinity of Moulinet, France. When an animal in his wire laying detail discharged a Teller mine and seriously injured three of his men, Lieutenant Mahan promptly gave them first aid. Without regard for his own safety he personally undertook the removal of most of the mines from the area through which the wounded men had to be evacuated and, while thus engaged, was himself wounded by an exploding mine. Disregarding his wounds and using an improvised stretcher, he effected the evacuation of the men from the mined area until a second explosion blew off his right foot and further wounded him. Refusing help from the others for fear of having them set off more mines, Lieutenant Mahan tended to himself and crawled thirty yards until clear of the infested area. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.