The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Roy R. Kelly (MCSN: 493556), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 26 May 1945. Assigned the mission of supplying protection for a mine-laying detail, Corporal Kelly courageously led his squad well forward of the front lines and engaged the enemy in a fierce fire fight. Although he and other members of his squad were wounded, he maintained excellent control among his men throughout the action and refused to be evacuated until the other wounded had been removed to a place of safety. By his leadership, heroism and devotion to duty, Corporal Kelly upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.