The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Manna (ASN: 0-1287202), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, *** Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action near *****, Belgium, on 5 January 1945. Lieutenant Manna, commanding Company A, 137th Infantry Regiment, displayed brilliant leadership and high courage in successfully maneuvering his unit through heavy rolling terrain and a forest and seizing an important road junction held by the enemy. While he was reorganizing his unit and directing the evacuation of casualties, he was killed by a tree-bursting mortar shell. His intrepid actions under heavy enemy artillery, mortar and machine gun fire were largely responsible for the success of his company, and reflect high credit upon his character and training as an officer.