William B. Kelly

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William B. Kelly (17089084), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 26 October 1944, in France. On that date, Sergeant Kelly was assigned the mission of flanking an enemy tank which was firing on his company. Skillfully maneuvering forward, Sergeant Kelly worked his way to a distance of 25 yards in the rear of the tank location. Upon nearing the tank area he discovered two tanks instead of one were firing. Using hand grenades, Sergeant Kelly damaged both tanks beyond usability and captured both tank crews. During the course of this action he was under continuous hand grenade and heavy enemy fire.