The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Albert J. St. Clair (MCSN: 1276848), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving s a Machine Gunner of Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 July 1953. During the initial assault by enemy troops on his sector of the main line of resistance, Private First Class St. Clair delivered accurate machine gun fire which inflicted many casualties on the hostile troops and forced them to halt the attack. With the main enemy force withdrawing to continue its attack from defensive positions while a hostile unit of approximately squad size moved to the rear area of his position, he quickly removed the machine gun from its mount, rushed from the bunker into the trench line in order to meet the onrushing troops and gallantly fired the machine gun from his arms, causing numerous casualties among the enemy and again forcing their withdrawal. When assured that the attackers had completely withdrawn from the rear position, he placed his weapon in the exposed trench line and remained in the endangered position throughout the night to fire on the enemy. By his aggressive fighting spirit, courageous initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, Private First Class St. Clair served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.