The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal George E. Kelley (ASN: 6957780), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Ferme Combier, Algeria, 10 November 1942. During the Oran Offensive, the rifle company which Corporal Kelley was supporting was prevented from advancing by machine gun fire from enemy pillboxes. Corporal Kelley led his 81-mm. mortar squad forward under heavy enemy fire to a position considerable in advance of the rifle company. His squad immediately scored a direct hit on one of the pillboxes and Corporal Kelley disposed of the remainder of the enemy gun crew with rifle fire. In this entire action Corporal Kelley displayed great courage, above and beyond the call of duty. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.