The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Edward B. Keyes, Jr. (MCSN: 0-46712), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an Aerial Observer of the Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 21 June 1951. Assigned the mission of searching for enemy artillery pieces which were delivering accurate and effective fire on friendly front-line positions, First Lieutenant Keyes, despite adverse weather conditions which necessitated flying the slow, unarmed aircraft at extremely low altitudes while subjected to withering hostile ground fire, fearlessly persisted in his search until he located two enemy gun positions. Although his aircraft was already damaged by enemy fire, he courageously dived low over the positions through heavy fire, located three additional camouflaged gun positions and, remaining in the area despite continued hostile fire, accurately adjusted friendly artillery fire which completely neutralized the positions. By his outstanding courage, exceptional skill and unswerving devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Keyes contributed materially to the success of friendly ground forces and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.