The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Clinton S. McLaughlin, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces from 9 to 13 March 1944, on Hill 700 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. Lieutenant McLaughlin commanded a platoon, which under his courageous leadership, defended a key sector of the American perimeter against repeated mass enemy attacks. Aware of the critical tactical situation which would develop if the Japanese extended their limited penetration of the lines, he moved from pillbox to pillbox under the direct observation and fire of the enemy, skillfully posting reinforcements for maximum resistance of enemy pressure and shifting fields of fire which blocked hostile routes of approach. Two days later, the Japanese worked their way to within a few feet of his forward positions under the cover of darkness. Offsetting the surprise element of the assault by his calmness, and alert tactical skill, Lieutenant McLaughlin directed the fierce action of his men with complete disregard for personal danger and stemmed the attack. By this same aggressive leadership and a determined fighting spirit, which he inspired in his men by personal example of bravery, the Japanese again were repulsed in their third and final assault on his sector. Second Lieutenant McLaughlin’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.