The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Orville W. McCubbin (NSN: 3561865), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity and meritorious devotion to duty as Minesweep Boatswain’s Mate aboard the U.S.S. KITE (AMS-22), during combat minesweeping operations off Wonsan, Korea, on 9 November 1951. While recovering minesweep gear upon completion of a hazardous night operation, Boatswain’s Mate Second Class McCubbin spotted a live mine caught in the end cutter five feet from the stern of the ship in such a position that its detonation could be expected at any minute. With complete disregard for his own safety he remained on his station and directed the paying out of the gear to remove the danger to his ship. His alertness and devotion to duty were the only factors preventing the loss of the ship and the lives of his fellow crewmen as the mine exploded forty feet astern. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.