The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Keo J. Keshner (MCSN: 2481163), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company A, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 June 1969, the Second Platoon was escorting an advance party of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines on its way to set up a new battalion command post when the Marines came under a heavy volume of rocket, mortar, and automatic weapons fire from a company-size North Vietnamese Army force in well-concealed, heavily fortified positions. Displaying exceptional marksmanship and courage, Private First Class Keshner fired a light anti-tank assault weapon into an enemy machine gun position twenty meters away and silenced its fire. Observing another automatic weapons position in a tree line, he attempted to maneuver his fire team into a position from which it could destroy the hostile emplacement, but the team was temporarily pinned down. Reacting instantly, Private First Class Keshner fearlessly advanced alone to the tree line and, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to an intense volume of enemy fire as he maneuvered to throw a grenade into the emplacement. As he was moving into an advantageous position, he was mortally wounded by small arms fire. His bold initiative and heroic efforts inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in enabling the Marines of his fire team to establish a tenable position. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Private First Class Keshner upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.