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 Captain (Infantry) John J. Kelly, Jr. (ASN: 0-432380), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John J. Kelly, Jr. (ASN: 0-432380), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in 1943. Lieutenant Kelly, attempting to deliver food to a company of Infantry encircled by a strong enemy force, was subjected to heavy artillery and machine gun fire. He quickly ordered his vehicle to turn about and withdraw from the zone of fire. While the vehicle was turning around, Lieutenant Kelly seized a light machine gun and succeeded in wiping out an enemy machine gun nest which was placing deadly fire on the vehicle. This action without a doubt, saved the lives of his driver and assistant driver. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.