For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Radio
Operator of Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division
(Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 May
1952. With his platoon pinned down by a numerically superior enemy force
employing intense mortar, artillery, small-arms and grenade fire, Private
First Class Kelly requested permission to leave his radio in the
care of another man and to participate in an assault
on enemy key positions. Fearlessly charging forward in the face of a murderous
hail of machine-gun fire and hand grenades, he initiated a daring attack
against a hostile strongpoint and personally neutralized the position,
killing two of the enemy. Unyielding in the face of heavy odds, he continued
forward and singlehandedly assaulted a machine-gun bunker. Although painfully
wounded , he bravely charged the bunker and destroyed
it, killing three of the enemy. Courageously continuing
his one-man assault, he again stormed forward in a valiant attempt to wipe
out a third bunker and boldly delivered point-blank fire into the aperture
of the hostile emplacement. Mortally wounded by enemy fire while carrying
out his heroic action, Private First Class Kelly, by his great personal
valor and aggressive fighting spirit, inspired his comrades to sweep on,
overrun and secure the objective. His extraordinary heroism in the face
of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances
the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
President of the United States
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