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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994/0-38750), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in North Africa, from November 1942 to 13 May 1943. As Commanding Officer, First Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in the initial landings at Oran, Algeria and later during the Tunisian Campaign, Lieutenant Colonel Kelleher displayed outstanding initiative, courage and efficiency. During the battle of Kasserine Pass he organized his battalion and held for two days and nights against superior enemy forces. While trying to contact reinforcements he was captured by German forces and through his outstanding ability succeeded in escaping and bringing another American Officer and invaluable information back into the safety of the Allied lines. His leadership of the First Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment was characterized by fearlessness, sound tactical judgment, unswerving devotion to duty and loyalty to his commanders and the Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 24 & 25, 1951
    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 419 (June 10, 1951)

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 27, 1943
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 34 (July 28, 1943)

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 10, 1942
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 33 (December 7, 1942)

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 20, 1951
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 346 (June 13, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994/0-38750), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. On the morning of 20 May 1951, friendly forces launched an attack on strong hostile positions near Kwang-song-ni, Korea. When devastating small arms and automatic weapons fire threatened to halt the advance, Colonel Kelleher moved to the front of the lead platoon personally to direct the assault. Reorganizing his force under the deadly fire, he led the way through bursting grenades to the objective. Engaging the entrenched enemy in close combat, he so inspired his men that they charged over the crest and drove the remaining foe into disorderly retreat. Colonel Kelleher’s valorous leadership, indomitable spirit and exemplary devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 28, 1943
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 35 (July 31, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third 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 on Hill 482 in North Africa, on 28 March 1943. Immediately after receiving orders to advance to the south and attack a strongly fortified enemy sector, Colonel Kelleher skillfully led his battalion across unfamiliar enemy territory to the objective. As the battalion approached these enemy positions, it was met with heavy fire and numerous flares illuminating surrounding terrain. The courage and brilliant leadership of Colonel Kelleher during the ensuing action, coupled with his keen tactical judgment, enabled his battalion to seize and hold its objective despite heavy odds. 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 29, 1951
    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 294 (May 24, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994/0-38750), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. On 29 March 1951, while the Regiment was regrouping south of Chan-go, Korea, Colonel Kelleher organized a task force to strike an advance blow on the hostile force defending the village. Upon reaching the outskirts of the objective, he exposed himself to a devastating mortar barrage to lead a determined assault on the enemy positions. Advancing to the point of strongest resistance, he directed the movement and fire of his men so effectively that the enemy was thrown into a complete rout. Colonel Kelleher’s exemplary courage, military ability and unremitting devotion to duty were an inspiration to his command and enhance the high traditions of the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    February 1956 – September 1963
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 46 (October 23, 1963)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from February 1956 to September 1963.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    415th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    104th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 29, 1944
    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 15 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while Commanding the 3d Battalion, 415th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 29 October 1944, in Holland. When the column was halted by artillery and mortar fire, Lieutenant Colonel Kelleher, with total disregard for his own safety, ran quickly to the head of the column and rallied his men then led the advance by acting as the point. When he observed an enemy patrol of approximately ten men approaching, he ran forward, armed only with a pistol, charged the patrol, and forced them to retreat after capturing two of their number. Later in the day, when his Executive Officer, Major Robert Russi, was wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Kelleher courageously ran to the fallen officer and carried him to the cover of a nearby building, despite enemy fire. The extraordinary heroism and courageous action of Lieutenant Colonel Kelleher contributed in large measure to the success of the drive. His inspiring leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 104th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Africa)

    Action Date:

    1943

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994/0-38750), United States Army, was captured by German forces during the battle of Kasserine Pass in North Africa in 1943, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his successful escape from captivity.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1950 – June 24, 1951
    Headquarters, Far East Command, General Orders No. 185 (July 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Gerald C. Kelleher (ASN: 0-310994/0-38750), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in Korea, from 6 December 1950 to 24 June 1951. Exercising aggressive leadership, ceaseless efforts and keen perception, Colonel Kelleher welded his staff into an unusually efficient team and effected the most advantageous utilization of personnel and equipment during critical phases of the Korean campaign. When the regiment engaged the enemy, he was constantly at the point of stiffest resistance, advising and encouraging the men and, frequently led assault elements in attacks on hostile positions. Colonel Kelleher’s courage in the face of imminent danger instilled confidence and esprit de corps which spurred the unit to overcome seemingly insuperable obstacles. By constant and close supervision, he maintained supply economy and his brilliant tactical planning and uncanny ability to determine enemy capabilities enabled the Regiment to defeat a fanatical and numerically superior foe. Subsequently during orderly withdrawals, his skillful direction resulted in a minimum loss of men and equipment. Colonel Kelleher’s inspirational demeanor, sustained devotion to duty and laudable achievements reflect great credit on himself and uphold the highest traditions of the military service.