The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Jerry E. Kelly (ASN: US-54014356), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the night of 24 April and during the early morning hours of 25 April 1953, elements of Company F, 2d Battalion, of which Sergeant Kelly was platoon sergeant were defending positions on Outpost “Harry”, in the vicinity of Surang-ni, Korea, against a numerically superior hostile attack. Which was preceded by an artillery and mortar barrage. Hostile forces charged through their own artillery, overrunning the forward positions and an intense hand-to-hand combat ensued. Sergeant Kelly, through his inspiration leadership, led his men from a finger of the hill to a more tenable position where he united them into a tight defense perimeter. Exposing himself to severe hostile fire, checked the position of his men, directed their fire and set up a machine gun. He then moved about the fire swept area to procure and distribute ammunition to his men and station guards in all vital positions. As a result of his actions, the lives of many of his men were saved and numerous enemy casualties were inflicted. Sergeant Kelly’s outstanding gallantry, initiative and devotion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.