The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Administrative Corps), [then Second Lieutenant] Richard D. Kelleher (ASN: 0-2048969), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action in the Hurtgen Forest, Germany, 11 November 1944. During a tensely contested operation the evacuation of casualties proved highly difficult. Motor transportation was non-existent, and the only available foot route was bombarded by enemy mortar, artillery and rocket fire. Lieutenant Kelleher left the battalion aid station in order to contact the forward evacuation point and supervise its operation. Upon approaching his destination he was twice wounded by flying shell fragments. Although bleeding profusely, Lieutenant Kelleher refused evacuation. He administered first aid to the wounded and proceeded to organize litter teams. For the ensuing eight hours, he contacted the respective companies of the battalion under incessant bombardment and assisted in evacuating wounded. After accompanying a litter team to the battalion aid station, he finally received medical attention, but again rejected evacuation. Lieutenant Kelleher’s courage, determination and spirit of self-sacrifice contributed toward saving many lives and are in accord with the finest tradition of the military service.