The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant James H. McCleery (MCSN: 0-37166), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 13 March 1951. Leading a two-plane armed reconnaissance flight on a mission deep into enemy territory, First Lieutenant McCleery carried out a series of daring strafing attacks against hostile anti-aircraft emplacements on high ground and completely neutralized the positions. Locating a group of four camouflaged enemy tanks in the same area, he immediately initiated a second attack and, although his wingman had expended his armament, continued to press a lone assault at minimum altitude with rockets and napalm bombs until all the hostile vehicles were destroyed. By his marked courage, brilliant airmanship and unswerving devotion to duty, First Lieutenant McCleery was directly instrumental in dealing a damaging blow to the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.