The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Armor) James Harry McClain, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam, on 28 July 1964. As a Civic Action Advisor for a Province of the Republic of Vietnam, Captain McClain was returning from an inspection trip with two other American advisors when an enemy mine detonated, disabled their jeep, and a Viet Cong force of more than forty ambushed them. Captain McClain jumped from the vehicle and, despite the vicious onslaught, bravely engaged the overwhelming enemy at close quarters. Although wounded by grenade fragments and automatic weapons fire, he fought on with indomitable courage and continued to inflict heavy casualties on the assaulting enemy until he was mortally wounded. Captain McClain’s fortitude, determination, and conspicuous gallantry are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military services.