The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Corporal Harlan C. Beam (ASN: 35119383), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March to August 1943. When several men were wounded in an engagement with the enemy, Sergeant Beam exposed himself to enemy machine gun fire to draw attention from an aid man assisting the wounded soldiers. His coolness and courage in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States.