The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant [then Second Lieutenant] John J. Mangam (ASN: 13052872), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company L, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. In the pursuit phase of the campaign and during the fight for Kothen, Germany, Lieutenant Mangan displayed exceptional courage and leadership. His company was, at that time, attached to the 3d Armored Division. In spite of stiff enemy opposition from well placed machine gun nests located in dug in positions and covering the only line of approach, he, at the head of his men, entered the suburbs of Kothen from the est. Throughout the day and in spite of harassing enemy artillery fire, Lieutenant Mangan continued to press the enemy driving them out of his sector of the city. As darkness fell it became increasingly difficult to keep contact because the need to search and clear snipers from houses along and, adjacent to the route taken. At night, when close to the northern outskirts of the city, a well defended road block barred further progress. After reconnaissance, Lieutenant Mangan requested the tank commander to place fire on the obstruction. The latter declined as he was of the opinion such would disclose his position to enemy artillery. Although most of the men in Company L, 47th Infantry, were green replacements, Lieutenant Mangam did not hesitate. He personally led the assault forward, silenced a machine gun nest with a hand grenade and stormed the barrier. He personally pressed the attack forward with such vigor and intensity that the road block soon fell into our hands. Lieutenant Mangam’s heroic and commendable action, above and beyond the call of duty, was a credit to the forces of the United States and an inspiration to all who saw it. His superior leadership, clear thinking and prompt action undoubtedly cleared the road to the north and to the adjacent railroad yards before the enemy could re-group and counterattack in force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant John J. Mangam (ASN: 13052872), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Squad Leader in the 1st Platoon, Company L, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 29 June 1944, in Normandy, France. Leading an assault on a large enemy coastal battery, Sergeant Mangam led his squad in a successful attack on one enemy concrete emplacement. Killing three and wounding five of the defenders, Sergeant Mangam succeeded in clearing out the remaining enemy at the point of a bayonet. Although constantly exposed to enemy observation and fire, Sergeant Mangan’s aggressive leadership and initiative were responsible for the success of this mission.