The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class Reef P. Kelly (NSN: 8824253), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Tail Gunner of a Navy PBY Patrol Plane in a Patrol-Bombing Squadron in action on 11 August 1945, in the Pacific War Area. While on an anti-shipping patrol over Japanese Empire waters he was seriously wounded by enemy fire as a result of a surprise attack by six enemy fighter planes. Despite loss of blood, he courageously returned to his turret on two subsequent coordinated attacks by fighters, manning his guns and reporting to the pilot the tactics of the enemy planes. His courage, skill, and coolness under fire materially assisted the crew of his plane in successfully fighting off the enemy and safely returning to base. His complete devotion to duty and conduct throughout were outstanding and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.