The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Walter J. Kelly (ASN: RA-6982467), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 29th Regimental Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 18 August 1950, near Odang-dong, Korea, Sergeant First Class Kelly’s platoon was serving as wire party for an infantry battalion when the latter was attacked and flanked by the enemy. Quickly organizing his men into an effective rifle team, Sergeant First Class Kelley led his unit, in conjunction with another platoon, in a spirited counterattack to attain objectives forward a mile and a half. After withdrawing to battalion reserve for the night, he led them again on 19 August in another attack which, spurred by his personal example of courage and determination, was eminently successful. Sergeant First Class Kelly’s heroic leadership and will to fight to victory served as an inspiration to his men and reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.