Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    1st Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1945

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 79496

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Orlen C. Kelley (MCSN: 963746), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifleman in Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 11 June 1945. Observing that his unit was pinned down from the right flank by fire from heavily-defended enemy pillboxes, Private First Class Kelley fearlessly crept forward through intense hostile machine-gun, grenade and mortar fire, destroyed two pillboxes and killed seven of the enemy, thereby enabling his unit to occupy the ridge which was the battalion objective. His outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.