The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Thomas S. McLean (ASN: 0-2028610), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army. During the early morning hours of 6 September 1952, Lieutenant McLean’s unit was engaged in a bitter fight to halt the enemy advance and recapture positions which the enemy had overrun near Satae-ri, Korea. Lieutenant McLean organized a counterattacking force and led it through heavy mortar and small arms fire against the enemy-held positions. The assault was broken and Lieutenant McLean wounded, but he fell back, regrouped his men, and courageously led another charge. Intense enemy fire stopped the second attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the friendly force, again wounding Lieutenant McLean. Despite his painful injuries, he risked his life to go to the aid of a wounded comrade who was lying in an exposed position. After the man had been carried to safety, Lieutenant McLean, refusing to be evacuated himself, organized a third assaulting group and led it forward until it too broke in the face of the withering enemy fire. Although near the point of collapse from shock and loss of blood, Lieutenant McLean insisted on remaining with his unit to lead still another charge. He was evacuated against his will. Lieutenant McLean’s heroic actions were instrumental in stopping the enemy advance and were a great inspiration to the men of his unit. His extraordinary courage, unfaltering leadership, and determined devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.