The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Billy R. Kelly (ASN: US-54819252), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Sergeant Kelly distinguished himself by heroic actions on 19 December 1967, while serving as a Squad Leader with Company D, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, on a squad operation at Bo Tuc, Republic of Vietnam. Serving forward on a listening post, Sergeant Kelly was in command of six men. When a heavy Viet Cong mortar attack was launched upon the battalion perimeter, Sergeant Kelly provided an initial report on the source of the mortar rounds, thus enabling immediate counter mortar fire. Realizing that a huge enemy force was approaching the perimeter, Sergeant Kelly professionally directed artillery, air strikes, and gunship fire on the enemy locations. At times he called the bombardment in so close that his listening post received heavy amounts of fragments, repeatedly endangering his own life. Due to Sergeant Kelly’s valorous actions, the main force of the enemy was eliminated prior to its arrival at the perimeter. He and his squad were credited with the destruction of the major part of the Viet Cong attack. Sergeant Kelly and his men were also responsible for silencing the enemy mortar tubes which were pounding the perimeter. Sergeant Kelly’s personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.