The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private John T. Keel (ASN: 39207960), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 77th Field Artillery Battalion, in action against the enemy in Belgium on 30 December 1944. Private Keel and other personnel of his battery had been forced to take cover from attacking enemy planes when he noticed a half-track nearby with an unmanned fifty caliber machine gun. With complete disregard for his own safety he dashed from his fox-hole and put the gun in action, delivering continuous fire until wounded by bomb fragments. The unhesitating, courageous delivery of fire by Private Keel drove the attacking planes from the battery position. His conspicuous courage and gallantry exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.