The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Richard A. Kerr (MCSN: 638504), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company B, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 February 1951. Assigned the mission of attacking a heavily defended narrow area leading to the company objective, Sergeant Kerr skillfully led his squad forward over the fire-swept ground and effectively deployed his men. When the unit was subjected to devastating enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire from concealed bunkers, he established the squad as a base of fire and personally assaulted the bunkers with hand grenades and rifle fire, killing three of the enemy and routing the remainder to assist the unit in advancing to the objective. By his outstanding courage, inspiring leadership and aggressive fighting spirit, Sergeant Kerr contributed materially to the success achieved by the company, and his selfless devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.