Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    May 8, 1945

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 52954 (January 31, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Harold F. Keister (MCSN: 886937), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a platoon of Company L, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 8 May 1945. With his platoon pinned down by devastating enemy machine-gun and rifle fire emanating from a concealed hostile emplacement, Private First Class Keister unhesitatingly volunteered to conduct a reconnaissance of the area to determine the source of the deadly fire. Moving forward under the intense barrage, he succeeded in locating the strong point and, launching a daring single-handed attack, killed two crewmen and a Japanese rifleman and forced the remainder of the garrison to withdraw. By his daring initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and dauntless perseverance in the face of tremendous odds, Private First Class Keister contributed to the saving of many lives and to the continued advance of his platoon. His gallant conduct and courageous devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.