The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) 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 in the vicinity of Beja, Tunisia, 27 April 1943. During a savage assault on a strategic enemy hill, Colonel Kelleher, forced to take cover from heavy enemy mortar and machine gun fire, observed one of his companies withdrawing from the slope. Despite deadly machine gun fire, Colonel Kelleher proceeded to this company, reorganized it and enabled it to repel the enemy. 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.