Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    February 3, 1953

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Clyde William Keel (MCSN: 596471), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 February 1953. Participating in a company-size raid on two strongly fortified and well-concealed enemy positions far forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Keel fearlessly charged up the slope in the face of intense enemy mortar, artillery and small arms fire, clearing out the enemy trenches and bunkers until he reached the top of the objective. During the withdrawal, he repeatedly ran up and down the hill to evacuate the casualties and personally carried some of them to positions of safety. From the base of the hill, he bravely led the evacuating teams across an exposed rice paddy, which was well-mined and faced with enfiladed fire, and then set up a perimeter of defense around the casualties until they could be further evacuated. By his aggressive fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and courageous initiative, Sergeant Keel was instrumental in saving the lives of many wounded Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.