The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class David L. McClain (MCSN: 2080858), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Artillery Scout Observer assigned to Company H, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 December 1965, during Operation HARVEST MOON, against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces , Private First Class McClain was a member of a Forward Observer Team traveling in the enemy controlled Trung Phan area when the Company was suddenly and savagely attacked by devastating mortar, recoilless rifle and automatic weapons fire. Reacting instantly when the fierce fire felled the Company Commander and radio operator, Private First Class McClain fearlessly moved forward and attempted to silence an automatic weapons position with a light anti-tank weapon. This failing, he was moving to a more advantageous position when he noticed a Corpsman aiding the wounded Company Commander in an area which was receiving the brunt of the hostile fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, Private First Class McClain rushed to offer protective cover and, dropping to one knee to protect the pair, calmly expended magazine after magazine in a determined effort to halt the vicious attack. Undeterred when wounded in the right shoulder, he promptly shifted his rifle and continued to fire until he was even more seriously wounded in the left hip and leg. Stubbornly refusing to concede, even after he was dragged to a protected area, he persisted in advising his officer of pertinent artillery support and estimated strengths and weapons in enemy locations. Steadfastly disregarding his own serious wounds, he insisted on being the last to receive first aid and the last to be evacuated. His dedicated action was an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed in large measure to saving the lives of many of his comrades. By his indomitable determination, outstanding professionalism and selfless devotion to duty throughout, Private First Class McClain upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.