The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Armor) John Jeffrey McClelland (ASN: 0-5244618), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. First Lieutenant McClelland distinguished himself by heroic actions on 9 February 1968, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 25th Infantry Division on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. When his tank received a direct hit from an RPG rocket round, the blast blew Lieutenant McClelland and his loader off the top of the turret to the ground. Lieutenant McClelland summoned aid for his severely wounded companion and proceeded to direct his platoon’s firepower to level deadly and accurate fire upon the enemy positions. Picking up a rifle which had fallen to the ground, he ran to the front of the tank and returned effective fire on the Viet Cong until his ammunition was expended. At this point, he climbed back onto his vehicle while the turret was on fire, and again raked the enemy positions with .50 caliber fire. His valorous actions and outstanding leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force. Lieutenant McClelland’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.