The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Henry E. Kelly (ASN: 0-10286), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 July 1944, in France. Colonel Kelly’s regiment was given the mission of crossing a river and pressing the attack into enemy-held territory. Prior to the crossing of the first assault wave of his troops, Colonel Kelley moved to the line of departure and personally checked the disposition of the first assault wave. During the crossings of the first two waves, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy small arms fire and was constantly under observed mortar and heavy artillery fire, which swept the exposed bank of the river. Crossing the river into the enemy main line of resistance before it had been completely taken, Colonel Kelly personally directed his troops from positions within accurate range of enemy small arms fire. Due to his first-hand knowledge of the situation, acquired at the risk of his life, Colonel Kelly skillfully moved his troops across the river into enemy territory with a minimum loss of life. By his dauntless, heroic devotion to duty, and superior leadership, he completed in a highly successful manner the mission assigned his regiment. The actions of Colonel Kelly on this occasion were a constant inspiration to his fellow officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Armed Forces.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Henry E. Kelly (ASN: 0-10286), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with as Commanding Officer of the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Action in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Kelly, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.