The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Leo E. Kelley (MCSN: 440330), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving in a Platoon of Company F, Second Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 17 June 1944. Fearlessly risking his life to attempt the rescue of a wounded Marine during a fierce engagement with the Japanese, Sergeant Kelley unhesitatingly crawled through the enemy’s withering barrage to the side of his comrade and succeeded in removing him to a defiladed position. With his Platoon Leader a casualty, he immediately assumed the duties of second in command and, by his valiant fighting spirit and daring combat tactics, continued to lead his men in successful attacks against the fanatic Japanese throughout the remainder of the operation. His daring initiative, inspiring leadership and cool and courageous conduct in the face of grave peril were contributing factors in the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.