John E. Mangels

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John E. Mangels, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Combat Company, 1st Battalion, 32d Infantry Regiment, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 6 October 2006, in Afghanistan. First Sergeant Mangels was at vehicle patrol base Combat Main in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, when it came under fire on both sides of the Pech River the night of 6 October 2006. He directed return fire from a machine gun mounted on his vehicle. In an ensuing conflict, he was wounded in the head with shrapnel and lost consciousness. Regaining consciousness, he moved between fighting positions to rally his men and provide guidance. Only when the last wounded Soldier was evacuated from the fight did Mangels allow himself to be treated and eventually evacuated.