The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Bernard T. Kelly (MCSN: 0-6697), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 August 1951. Assigned the mission of passing through the area of a friendly unit and continuing the attack against strongly fortified enemy hill positions, Lieutenant Colonel Kelly, while conducting his reconnaissance, was informed that it would be necessary for his battalion to cross an extensive, uncharted mine field, which had already caused many friendly casualties. To insure the success of his operations, he entered the mine field, reconnoitered and marked a safe route for the passage of his men. After overcoming this dangerous obstacle, it was necessary for him to ford his men across a torrential river swollen by recent heavy rains. Unhesitatingly entering the raging stream, he personally determined the most advantageous place for crossing, and then led his men to the opposite bank to continue the advance. Subsequently, in the face of withering enemy fire, he led his battalion in the attack against hostile positions, moving forward with the assault elements to coordinate his attack. By his inspiring leadership and outstanding courage throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Kelly contributed in large measure to the success of his unit in seizing objectives with a minimum of casualties. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.