The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action at Djebel Murdjadjo, Algeria, 10 November 1942. During the Oran offensive, after Hill 510 on Djebel Murdjadjo had been taken, fire was observed from our troops on the left, and enemy machine guns on the right. Colonel Kelleher, under heavy enemy fire and in utter disregard of his own safety, climbed upon a rock and wave an American flag as a signal to our own troops to cease fire. He personally led elements of the battalion in the successful assault. 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.