The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Raymond John McDoniel (ASN: 0-1321324), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the period 31 August to 4 September 1950, in the vicinity of Yongsan, Korea, in the Naktong River Salient. During the general break-through of the enemy during this period, elements of Companies D and H, and Heavy Mortar Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, were overrun and completely surrounded by the enemy. This small force was emplaced on a hill and was repeatedly successful in repelling the fanatical attacks launched by the enemy in an effort to destroy this determined band of men. On 2 September 1950, the commander of this group was killed and Lieutenant McDoniel assumed command. Time and again he reorganized his position and removed the wounded after each attack to the relative security of the center of the perimeter. When this force had been reduced by continuous mortar, artillery and small arms fire, and by the fanatical enemy attacks, to a small number of men, it became evident that continued resistance was impossible. Lieutenant McDaniel gathered his remaining men and directed a planned withdrawal until the friendly lines were reached. His fearless and inspiring leadership in holding his position for four days in the face of overwhelming odds materially aided in the slowing of a general advance by the enemy. The intrepidity and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant McDaniel on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.