(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) William Paul Keleher (ASN: 0-35568), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, in 1950 and 1951. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Keleher, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] William Paul Keleher (ASN: 0-35568), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Hoengsong, Korea, on 12 February 1951. On that date, the battalion had the mission of providing security for an artillery unit giving supporting fire to a Republic of Korea division. In this action, the enemy succeeded in penetrating the Republic of Korea division, then infiltrated the defense line of the battalion. Quickly, Colonel Keleher redeployed the companies of the battalion to cover the artillery unit as it withdrew southward. As the enemy small-arms and mortar fire intensified, Colonel Keleher realized that they were planning to attack and ordered three 105-mm. howitzers set up on the escape route. He directed the point-blank fire of these weapons into hostile troop concentrations. Although an extremely heavy volume of enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire was concentrated on the artillery pieces, Colonel Keleher remained in his position, accurately directing fire until the enemy was dispersed. Under Colonel Keleher’s inspiring leadership and indomitable courage, the withdrawal of the friendly troops was successfully completed. His outstanding display of gallantry and devotion to duty reflects great credit on himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] William P. Keleher (ASN: 0-35568), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 September 1950 in the vicinity of Namok-Tong, Korea. On that date, Colonel Keleher’s battalion was assigned the mission of seizing high ground against the determined opposition of well-entrenched enemy forces. The advance of the battalion was halted by heavy mortar and machine gun fire. Colonel Keleher immediately moved forward to the leading assault elements and made a personal reconnaissance of the situation. He then directed a rifle company to execute a flanking maneuver while he, shouting encouragement to his men, led another rifle company in a frontal assault. Displaying complete indifference for his personal safety, he dashed fearlessly up the fire-swept slope, leading his troops in a charge which drove the enemy from their defensive positions. As a result of his daring leadership, the battalion was successful in eliminating enemy resistance and securing its objective. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed by Colonel Keleher reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.