The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Gerald C. Kelleher, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Colonel Kelleher distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yuru, Korea, on 24 and 25 April 1951. On the night of 24 – 25 April 1951, a numerically superior enemy launched an attack against the regiment and, due to the withdrawal of friendly flanking units, succeeded in infiltrating behind the front lines and encircling the regimental command post and other rear elements of the regiment. Although constantly exposed to enemy automatic-weapons, small-arms and bazooka fire, Colonel Kelleher personally assumed command of the reserve battalion and led the unit in a successful effort to extricate the encircled elements. Despite intense enemy fire and the illuminative glare from burning vehicles, he moved among the tanks and men of his force, effectively directing their fire and exhorting them to greater efforts. His aggressive leadership, expert advice, and personal bravery in the face the face of overwhelming odds so inspired the member of the battalion that they assaulted the enemy positions, inflicting numerous casualties on the hostile troops and forcing them to withdraw in wild disorder. His courageous actions during this engagement resulted in the successful withdrawal of the beleaguered elements with minimum losses of personnel and equipment. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Kelleher reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.