The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Richard Kelly (MCSN: 824117), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Leader of a Rifle Squad, serving with Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 4 May 1945. At the height of an attack on a heavily defended enemy village, Sergeant Kelly perceived that the right flank of his company was seriously threatened by an enemy machine-gun nest and, coolly and courageously exposing himself to intense enemy fire, attempted to locate and destroy the source of the barrage. Although seriously wounded as he proceeded toward the objective, Sergeant Kelly persevered with heroic effort and succeeded in destroying the position and in killing six of the enemy, thereby enabling his company to continue the attack. His dauntless initiative and unwavering determination throughout served as an inspiration to his men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.