The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant William A. McClelland (MCSN: 0-48890), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 9 December 1950. Assigned the mission of seizing three strong enemy positions located on successive heights of a precipitous ridge line, First Lieutenant McClelland personally led his platoon’s assault on each position in the face of devastating hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire and, skillfully maneuvering his squads through heavy snow in bitter cold weather, repeatedly braved the intense enemy barrage to move among his men, shouting words of encouragement and effectively directing their fire. In the attack against the final key emplacement controlling the vital Koto-ri pass road, he again led his men forward and, engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat, succeeded in completely routing the opposition and inflicting approximately two hundred casualties. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and zealous devotion to duty, First Lieutenant McClelland contributed materially to the success achieved by his company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.