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 (Infantry) Ross B. Manley (ASN: 0-1290627), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, while temporarily attached to the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. Despite intense machine gun and mortar fire, Lieutenant Manley led his men in an assault upon a strategic enemy position. When an enemy machine gun inflicted casualties on his company, Lieutenant Manley quickly silenced it with effective grenade fire. Later, when his position became untenable, he skillfully organized an orderly withdrawal and remained behind to cover his men until they had reached a place of safety. 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 and the United States Army.