The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Richard W. Keyes (ASN: 0-31467/0-342797), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, in action on 1 to 2 March 1945, in the vicinity of Nideggen, Germany. Lieutenant Colonel Keyes’ Second Battalion was advancing south along the regiment’s left flank as flank security. He moved his command group forward to a hill to better observe the source of enemy fire. The enemy then concentrated mortar and artillery fire on the hilltop. Lieutenant Colonel Keyes remained standing on the hilltop to observe the source of enemy fire, then covered 75 yards of open ground to reach his radio man and call for counter battery. At this time, Company G was suffering heavy casualties, so he moved under the heavy incoming fire to personally lead them to safety, in a draw. He then reorganized the battalion to continue the attack, and attained the objective despite fanatical enemy resistance. The fearless disregard for personal safety shown by Lieutenant Colonel Keyes under persistent enemy fire, and his gallantry in personally leading the attack were in accordance with the highest military traditions.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
August 1963 – March 1965
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 35 (October 27, 1965)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Richard W. Keyes (ASN: 0-31467/0-342797), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1963 to March 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Keyes and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
27th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 29, 1950
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 77 January 28, 1951)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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Richard W. Keyes (ASN: 0-31467/0-342797), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. In the early morning hours of 29 November 1950, near Kunu-ri, Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Keyes’ battalion was subjected to a powerful enemy assault. Leaving his observation post despite an intense concentration of small arms and automatic weapons fire, he skillfully maneuvered his units to meet the attack and personally organized and directed a counterthrust which stemmed the hostile tide. Later, as other units displaced, his careful planning and effective coordination successfully delayed and harassed the enemy until new positions were secured. Lieutenant Colonel Keyes’ courage, determination, and inspirational leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
311th Infantry RegimentDivision:
78th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
January 30, 1945
Headquarters, U.S. Forces-European Theater, General Orders No. 110 (April 16, 1946)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Richard William Keyes (ASN: 0-31467/0-342797), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 2d Battalion, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 30 January 1945, at Kesternich, Germany. Communication between the attacking Infantry and armored elements was interrupted, leaving the tanks unable to move forward to support the Infantry. Lieutenant Colonel Keyes went forward 150 yards from house to house over terrain where five men had just been killed by rifle fire, then dashed thirty yards in the open to the nearest tank, mounted it, gained the attention of the tank commander and issued orders. He then dashed across seventy-five yards of open terrain under heavy enemy fire to another tank. Forty-five minutes later it was necessary to repeat the process, under a hail of small arms fire and direct artillery fire. He then stayed with the assaulting unit and continually exposed himself to enemy fire to maintain contact with rear units in the failure of radio communication. Lieutenant Colonel Keyes’ aggressive leadership and utter disregard for personal safety were a great inspiration to his men and reflect the highest battlefield traditions of the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Richard W. Keyes (ASN: 0-31467/0-342797), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Keyes and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
197th Infantry BrigadeDivision:
Fort Benning, GeorgiaAction Date:
July 1960 – January 1967
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 12 (March 17, 1967), Correction GO. 33 (1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Richard W. Keyes (ASN: 0-31467/0-342797), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from July 1960 to January 1967. During this period, Colonel Keyes served consecutively as Director, Command and Staff Department, as Deputy Assistant Commandant, United States Army Infantry School, and then as Commanding Officer, 197th Infantry Brigade, Fort Benning, Georgia; as Deputy Director for Planning, Strategic Plans and Policy Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Military Operations, Washington, D.C.; and as Chief, Inspection Division, Office of the Inspector General, Department of the Army, also in Washington, D.C. In each of these responsible positions, Colonel Keyes consistently demonstrated a marked degree of initiative, sound judgment, and that rare ability to get quickly to the heart of a problem and produce commendable results. His mature judgment, broad military knowledge and personal resourcefulness were valuable assets which significantly improved the timely attainment of essential military objectives. With administrative excellence and untiring efforts he raised the quality of troop support for the United States Infantry School, and the operational efficiency of key staff officers was markedly improved. The skillful leadership, managerial ability, and dedication to duty which he manifested earned for him the highest regard and admiration of all associated with him, and were sources of inspiration to both his superiors and subordinates alike. Colonel Keyes’ long and distinguished performance of duty throughout these periods represents significant achievement in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflects the utmost credit upon himself and the military service.