The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Russell Keen, Jr. (MCSN: 434865), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of Company B, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, on 1 February 1944. When a group of Japanese soldiers attacked the exposed crew of a disabled tank, Corporal Keen, fearlessly exposing himself to a hail of hostile fire, maneuvered so that he could protect the tank crew and attract the attention of the enemy with rifle fire and hand grenades. During this action, he and another Marine annihilated twenty-eight Japanese and captured two prisoners. His courageous fighting spirit, exceptional skill and heroic devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon Corporal Keen and the United States Naval Service.