The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Wilson A. McClain (MCSN: 256776), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. After his Platoon Leader was wounded during an assault on a strongly defended enemy position, Sergeant McClain assumed command and, although wounded himself a few minutes later, reorganized the platoon and aggressively attacked the hostile position. Displaying great personal bravery, he constantly exposed himself to enemy fire in directing the fire of his platoon and supporting tanks. By his resolute courage and devotion to duty, he contributed to his platoon’s seizure of the hostile position, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.