The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major David Cleeland (MCSN: 0-16576), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Pilot of a Plane in Marine Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMA-312) in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 December 1952. When one of the aircraft of his flight was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire and the pilot was forced to parachute into the icy waters of the Taedong estuary during an aerial assault against a major enemy supply installation, Major Cleeland immediately directed the remainder of his flight to form a protective screen against hostile jet interceptors and then orbited his plane at a low altitude to conduct helicopters and rescue craft to the position of the downed pilot. Despite hostile anti-aircraft fire, he directed the rescue operations and the actions of the other aircraft in defending the vulnerable units against the jet fighter attack. When enemy interceptor aircraft broke through the defensive screen, he engaged one of the enemy planes to assist in thwarting assaults on the defenseless helicopters. As the enemy plane disengaged, he maneuvered his aircraft to carry out strafing runs against hostile shore batteries, effectively suppressing the enemy fire during the withdrawal of a disabled rescue vessel. Although his fuel supply was at a dangerously low level, he remained over the area until other friendly aircraft arrived and, after briefing the relieving pilots, successfully returned to base. By his superb airmanship, courageous initiative and resolute determination in attempting to effect the rescue of the downed pilot, Major Cleeland upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.