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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Grover Cleveland O’Kelley (MCSN: 88441), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 80th Company, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on June 6 – 8, 1918. Sergeant O’Kelley displayed the greatest qualities of courage and leadership in assaults against strong enemy machine-gun positions, and was killed in the performance of this splendid duty.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – July 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Grover Cleveland O’Kelley (MCSN: 88441), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Sergeant O’Kelley distinguished himself while serving with the 80th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June – 10 July 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 6 – 8, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 46 (1920)

    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 Sergeant Grover Cleveland O’Kelley (MCSN: 88441), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Eightieth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the Bois-de-Belleau, France, on June 6 – 8, 1918. In the attack upon the enemy machine gun positions in the woods, Sergeant O’Kelley led his platoon with great courage. During the advance the assault section came under cross fire of enemy machine guns and all were killed or wounded.