The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Harry H. McCluey, III (MCSN: 2497158), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Company B, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 September 1969, Private First Class McCluey’s squad was conducting a patrol approximately twenty miles south of DaNang when the Marines came under intense machine gun fire from a numerically superior hostile force that was well-entrenched in a tree line. In the initial burst of fire, the squad was pinned down and two Marines were wounded. Rapidly assessing the situation, Private First Class McCluey turned his radio over to his squad leader and unhesitatingly rushed across the fire-swept terrain toward the casualties. When the enemy soldiers directed their fire at him, Private First Class McCluey boldly returned fire while continuing across the open area toward his objective. Reaching one of the casualties, he rendered first aid while enemy rounds impacted near him and then valiantly stood in full view of the enemy and fired at the machine gun position, temporarily silencing it. Turning his attention again to his wounded comrade Private First Class McCluey ignored renewed enemy fire until a grenade was thrown at him and the casualty. Without hesitation, he picked up the live grenade and threw it back at the hostile soldiers, then a second grenade landed near him. Fearlessly grabbing it, he hurled the second enemy grenade at the machine gun position, effectively silencing it. Continuing his determined efforts, he then treated his injured comrade until a reaction force arrived and dispersed the hostile force. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class McCluey inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.