The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Joe M. Kelley (ASN: 38570295), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Germany, on 27 March 1945. When the support platoon of Company I, 3d Battalion, 134th Infantry Regiment, and the mortar section, were pinned down by heavy enemy fire during the course of an attack against strongpoints guarding the approaches to ****, Germany, Private Kelley, a rifleman, covered by fire of two comrades, made his way toward an enemy strongpoint from which enemy fire was being directed, threw several grenades, then charged the enemy position. With the assistance of his two companions, he succeeded in reducing the enemy strongpoint, wounding two Germans and capturing three others. His courageous actions enabled his unit to continue its attack toward the final objective. 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.