GORDON F. KELLEY, Second Lieutenant U.S.A., 25th Infantry Division. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Kelley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 January 1968 as platoon leader of an infantry unit defending against a massive enemy attack on Fire Base Burt. The insurgents struck the camp with a murderous night mortar barrage. Lieutenant Kelley personally insured that his men were under cover and that they were fully prepared for the ground attack which followed. The vanguard of the assault went directly into Lieutenant Kelley’s platoon position. Throughout the ensuing eight hour battle, he moved from position to position to adjust his platoon’s fire, relocate weapons, inspire his men, and supervise the treatment and evacuation of wounded personnel. Although painfully wounded by shrapnel, Lieutenant Kelley refused medical attention and repeatedly braved the relentless enemy fire to adjust air strikes and artillery to within fifty meters of his own position. These strikes and the well directed fires from his superbly led infantrymen repulsed the fanatic assault. Second Lieutenant Kelley’s extraordinary heroism 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.

Mr. Kelley, a life member, resides in Maine.