The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Fay J. Kelly (ASN: 39466816), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 232d Field Artillery Battalion, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945 near Reipertswiller, France. While serving as a member of a Forward Observer Section with Company B, 232d Infantry, during the attack north of Reipertswiller, Corporal Kelly and the Sergeant in charge of the section were ordered to lay wire over exceedingly difficult, rugged terrain in order to maintain important communications between Company B and the Artillery Liaison Section. Because of these difficulties, Corporal Kelly and the Sergeant were unable to advance as rapidly as the Infantry but, in spite of the danger from German mine fields and the imminence of contact with the enemy, continued to lay the line until the supply of wire was exhausted. Moving to regain contact with their company they entered an enemy mine field. While moving through the field, the Sergeant stepped on a mine, the explosion from which blew off his foot. Disregarding the danger to himself, Corporal Kelly went to him and attempted to administer first aid. While doing so, he also stepped on a mine, blowing off his foot. With no assistance available, Corporal Kelly and the sergeant crawled several hundred yards through the field to safety, encouraging each other as they struggled along. The courageous act of Corporal Kelly in going to the aid of his Sergeant at the risk of his own life and the outstanding fortitude demonstrated by him are worthy of the highest praise.