The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Andrew H. McClain (MCSN: 658885), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 September 1950. Assigned the mission of assaulting a steep hill upon which the enemy was well entrenched, Corporal McClain courageously led his squad up the hill and succeeded in completing his mission. After rejoining his platoon and learning that the platoon leader and all senior non-commissioned officers were wounded, he immediately assumed command of the rest of the group and hastily reorganized and placed his men in defensive positions, thereby contributing materially to the success of the platoon in holding its objective without further casualties. In charge of his platoon for a period of about two days, Corporal McClain, by his courage, initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.