The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant David Michael Kelly (ASN: RA-12981586), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 11 March 1969. Sergeant Kelly distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader in Company C, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, near Ap Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of the cited date, Sergeant Kelly initiated contact between his squad and a squad of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. The initial exchange of fire resulted in two enemy casualties. Subsequent to the initial burst of fire, Sergeant Kelly led his element on a combined sweep and pursuit of the enemy through open rice paddies over a distance of eight hundred meters while under intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, and rocket propelled grenade fire. Through his conspicuous bravery and leadership, he became the object of heavy enemy fire. Without regard for his own safety, he constantly moved throughout the battlefield, encouraging and directing his squad in the face of heavy enemy resistance. Under his direction his element killed three of the enemy and captured one prisoner. Sergeant Kelly’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.