The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Jack L. Kelly (MCSN: 838153), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 15 September 1944. During a hostile tank counterattack, Private Kelly bravely left the security of his foxhole and, completely exposing himself to the enemy fire, ran up to a Japanese tank and hurled a hand grenade into its open turret, destroying all occupants and putting the vehicle out of action. By his outstanding courage, he contributed greatly to the repulse of the hostile attack, and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.