The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] John W. McClelland, United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 25th Infantry Division, in action at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 12 November 1944. Sergeant McClelland was acting assistant squad leader of an infantry rifle company. After his platoon had attacked a strongly defended Japanese perimeter and succeeded in penetrating it, he was ordered to guard the rear of his platoon. In this capacity, he personally accounted for six Japanese trying to infiltrate the position and isolate the platoon. Sergeant McClelland’s fire, in the face of superior enemy numbers, was entirely responsible for keeping his platoon from being surrounded and cut off. Sergeant McClelland’s courageous action reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.