The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Hugh Allan Kelley, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force on 16 January 1967, while serving as Platoon Leader, 3d Platoon, Company B, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 508th Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On this date, First Lieutenant Kelley’s platoon was leading the company in a search and destroy operation in the Iron Triangle, Republic of Vietnam, when he observed several bunkers to his immediate front. First Lieutenant Kelley, immediately assessing the imminent danger, began maneuvering his platoon on line. As the platoon advanced they were engaged by an estimated reinforced Viet Cong platoon positioned in the bunkers. Through the use of arm and hand signals he led his platoon in the assault until the hostile fire became so intense that the platoon could advance no further. First Lieutenant Kelley crawled over forty meters through devastating fire to his nearest machine gun in order to better direct the return fire. Realizing the importance of maintaining pressure on the enemy, he assisted in resupplying ammunition to the machine gun. The Viet Cong, feeling the effectiveness of First Lieutenant Kelley’s efforts, made every attempt to destroy the machine gun. An unseen enemy soldier in the tunnel system got close enough to throw a grenade, wounding First Lieutenant Kelly, however, he continued to inspire his men and direct their action until he lost consciousness. First Lieutenant Kelley’s outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal braver were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.