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) Dan Ingram McKeithen, Jr. (ASN: 0-2002772), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 15 March 1953, Lieutenant McKeithen, a platoon leader of Company A, 1st Battalion, was assigned the mission of leading an ambush patrol in the vicinity of Unjong-Ni, Korea, to intercept the enemy and capturing a prisoner for intelligence purposes. When his patrol was approaching its objective, it was suddenly attacked by a numerically superior hostile force. Lieutenant McKeithen was wounded by the first volley of enemy fire. Although wounded, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained in an exposed position, ordered his men to seek cover and directed their fire at the onrushing foe. As he stood exposed to the enemy, he was knocked to the ground by the explosion of a hostile hand grenade, wounding him for the second time. Though badly wounded, he rose on his knees and continued shouting orders and encouraging his men. Realizing the serious extent of his wounds he again exposed himself to find the patrol sergeant. After turning the command to him, Lieutenant McKeithen was struck by a second grenade and mortally wounded. As a result of his inspirational actions, the men of the patrol drove off the enemy and returned to friendly positions with their wounded comrades. Lieutenant McKeithen’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.