The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major George E. Kelly (MCSN: 0-25155), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Operations and Training Officer of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 and 21 March 1953. Assigned the hazardous and difficult mission of completely reorganizing and supervising the defense of a vital outpost which had been regained from the enemy after a savage and determined three-day struggle, Major Kelly fearlessly exposed himself to a devastating enemy artillery and mortar barrage to supervise the tactical reorganization of the key outpost. Although previously existing defensive installations had been obliterated by the surging battle, he skillfully organized his men into a strong defensive force and succeeded in establishing tactically sound positions. On several occasions, when hostile artillery fire caved in the sides of his trench and buried him in the debris, he managed to work himself free and continued his preparation of vital defensive positions. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable courage and gallant devotion to duty, Major Kelly contributed immeasurably to the successful defense of the outpost and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.