The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Fourth Class Mahlon Paul Manson (ASN: RA-18808148), United States Army, for heroism not involving participation in aerial flight in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Specialist Manson, Company C, 168th Engineer Battalion (Combat), distinguished himself on 20 August 1968, during a ground attack on Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Manson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, performed an essential refueling mission through a hail of small arms and mortar fire. Even after receiving wounds to the back and arms from a nearby mortar explosion, Specialist Manson fearlessly continued his mission of refueling until each armored vehicle had been refueled and could again press the attack on the Viet Cong positions. Through his outstanding professional standards and his extraordinary valor Specialist Manson contributed immeasurably to the successful counter-attack launched by the 11th Armored Cavalry. Specialist Manson’s heroic performance reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.