The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class William H. McLean (NSN: 5703836), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Battalion of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 27 November to 2 December 1950. As Corpsman with a reinforced Rifle Company which was assigned the mission of protecting a mountain pass on the Division main supply route between Hagaru-ri and Yudam-ni, Hospital Corpsman Third Class McLean displayed outstanding skill and courage in going to and caring for the wounded during a five day period when the company was isolated and cut off from friendly units. The Company suffered approximately 84 casualties and was constantly under fire. On the morning of 29 November, when one sector of the perimeter was being assaulted by a strong enemy force, Hospital Corpsman Third Class McLean voluntarily and with absolute disregard for his own personal safety left his covered position and moved through intense rifle and automatic weapons fire in order to administer aid to a wounded man who was forward of the front lines. When it was found that the wounded man could not be moved because of the intense enemy fire, Hospital Corpsman Third Class McLean elected to remain with him and continued to administer aid until the enemy attack had been repulsed. Throughout the five day period in sub-zero weather he saved many lives by his daring and fearless actions which served as an inspiration to all members of the command. Hospital Corpsman Third Class McLean’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.