Martin A. Manglona

Staff Sergeant

Company A, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

23 February 1969

Republic of Vietnam

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam:  

Staff Sergeant Manglona distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in the early hours of 23 February 1969 as a platoon sergeant during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Tinh Bien Hoa Province.  His company's night defensive position was attacked by a north Vietnamese Army company using mortars, rockets and hand grenades and, in the first minutes of the fighting, Sergeant Manglona, his platoon leader and the radio operator were wounded by an incoming mortar.  Despite his painful injury, he evacuated his stricken comrades and quickly deployed his men to effectively engage the enemy.  Braving the hostile fusillade, he resupplied his troops with ammunition, directed their fire hurled grenades and helped evacuate other casualties.  While helping to defend the most vulnerable section of the perimeter, he was blinded by fragments from an enemy rocket. Sergeant Manglona ordered his men to place his so that his weapon was aimed at the communists, and refused to be evacuated until the attack was repelled.  Staff Sergeant Manglona's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.