The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Billie Orr Kean (MCSN: 1851628), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 March 1968 during a search and destroy operation northwest of Gio Linh, Staff Sergeant Kean’s unit came under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force, temporarily pinning down the rear element of the platoon. Assuming command of the besieged squad, Staff Sergeant Kean repeatedly disregarded his own safety to pinpoint enemy positions and direct the fire of his men. As the squad gained fire superiority, he maneuvered his men into assault positions with the platoon and assisted in directing a frontal attack against the enemy. During the ensuing fire fight, Staff Sergeant Kean continually exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he moved from one position to another, directing his men and assisting the wounded. Subsequently, while aggressively maneuvering his fire teams against the enemy, he was mortally wounded. His heroic actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, superb leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Kean upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.