The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Hugh D. McLaren, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 91st Infantry Division, in action on 17 April 1945 near Barchetta, Italy. When the light machine gun crew of which Private First Class McLaren is a member, was moving forward, he noticed someone moving among a cluster of enemy bunkers behind the rifle platoons. Private First Class McLaren immediately moved forward to investigate and had approached to within a few feet of the position when he was confronted by an enemy armed with an American rifle. In attempting to fire his rifle at the enemy it failed to function. Before the surprised enemy could fire Private First Class McLaren and the enemy became engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle and when to of his companions joined him the enemy was quickly subdued. As the three men emerged from the bunker, enemy riflemen in three adjoining positions opened fire on them. Firing rapidly as they moved, Private First Class McLaren and the other two men advanced directly into the fire. Moving quickly from one bunker to another, the three men overpowered and captured the occupants of the positions. The speed, skill and aggressiveness employed by Private First Class McLaren in attacking these positions offset the numerical superiority of the enemy, effected the capture of 15 of the enemy , and removed a serous threat to the security of the company. The bold and aggressive spirit, combat skill, and will to destroy the enemy displayed by Private First Class McLaren was an inspiration to his comrades and reflect the finest traditions of the infantry and the Army of the United States.