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) Joseph V. Manto (ASN: 0-2001784), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 24 and 25 November 1950 in the vicinity of Singjang, Korea. On that date he was acting Company Commander of a rifle company which was being subjected to a fierce enemy attack. In other areas along the battalion perimeter the enemy had broken through, disrupting communications, supply routes and disorganizing adjacent units. Lieutenant Manto assembled stragglers from other units and added them to his company. He organized his group into an island of resistance and stubbornly repulsed numerous attacks by the enemy. After several hours of bitter and savage fighting, his unit, although inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, had suffered severe casualties themselves until only twelve able-bodied men were left. Deploying his small force with great skill, he established an effective rear guard while áhe supervised the evacuation of casualties. The courage, fighting skill and absolute disregard for his own safety displayed by Lieutenant Manto was an inspiration to his own men and the men of other units fighting with him and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.