The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Henry J. Kelly, Jr. (MCSN: 0-39170), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Platoon attached to the Second Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands Area, on 19 February 1945. A forceful leader, Second Lieutenant Kelly boldly advanced ahead of his platoon in a determined effort to wipe out an enemy pill-box which was causing heavy casualties among his men and, courageously pressing forward alone in the face of slashing enemy machine-gun fire, gave battle to the defending Japanese garrison with unrelenting fury until struck down by a savage burst of hostile fire. Stouthearted and indomitable, Second Lieutenant Kelly, by his heroic example, had inspired his platoon to carry on the attack which resulted in the destruction of the enemy strong point and his fearless initiative, daring tactics and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.