The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Maurice F. Keathley (ASN: 0-1335301), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 & 4 June 1951, in the vicinity of Inje, Korea. On 3 June 1951 the 2d Battalion moved into a defensive position. Lieutenant Keathley’s platoon was given the mission of defending the most likely routes of hostile approach. During the early morning hours his platoon was attacked by a numerical}y superior enemy force. In order to control the firepower of his men, Lieutenant Keathley calmly exposed himself as he moved from man to man, giving encouragement and directing their fire. Although painfully wounded in the leg , Lieutenant Keathley continued to rally his men to the defense and caused heavy casualties to be inflicted upon the enemy. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Keathley reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.