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Silver Star: Half Century Later
October 4, 2018 Grunt.com Admin

Silver Star: Half Century Later

I just read in The Purple Heart magazine that a Marine Vietnam Vet had received a Silver Star for action while serving with “D” Co. 1st Bat.3rd Marines He was given the award at a ceremony hosted by the National Museum of The Marine Corps. The award was presented to L/Cpl Raymond Kelley on 18-May-2018 exactly 51 years after the action. On 18-May-1967 Kelley was a machine gun team leader when his unit was tasked with to provide relief to a pinned down unit. His team began to receive heavy fire and took multiple casualties. Disregarding his own safety he repeatedly placed himself in the open to assist the wounded Marines and help them to the platoon command post where they could receive medical attention and while ignoring his own wounds continued to fight until the enemy disengaged. It did not say where this took place maybe someone reading this has more detail. Anyway, congrats LCpl Kelley wherever you are and, as always well done and SEMPER FI!!

Harry

Filed in: Marine Corps Stories
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Comments

Murray Hermanson - April 29, 2020

Ray, not much is said about the close air support on that operation. What do you remember? I was with Lima 3/9 and we connected to 1/3 on the line of defense when we got the close air support. I think you know what I am talking about. They never told us how many, just said a squad. Do you know, it’s always brother me.

Harry - April 29, 2020

You’re welcome Ray.

Ray Kelley - April 28, 2020

Harry….thanks for putting the story in the newsletter, I really appreciate it…..Semper Fi….Ray

Ray Kelley - April 28, 2020

Hi T….I feel the same way about you my friend….Semper Fi….Ray

Ray Kelley - April 28, 2020

Hi Ralph…..I hope all is well with you and yours my friend….Semper Fi….Kelley

Ray Kelley - April 28, 2020

Murray….1/3 was still on the float during Operation Buffalo. I think they stayed on it until May of 1968. I was on Buffalo and went home in August of 1967….Semper Fi…..Ray

Murray Hermanson - April 28, 2020

I am glad they where persistent, and you got the medal. It’s a shame it took so long. Where you still with 1/3 in July67? I think they came off the float for Operation Buffalo.

Harry - April 28, 2020

Happy to hear from you Ray! Again Ray well done and Semper Fi!! Harry

Tom Breeds - April 28, 2020

Ray Kelley, no better friend. No worse enemy

Ralph Schroder - April 28, 2020

Hey Kelley, I just read this initial post and was going to say that Machine Gun Kelley lives in Worcester, MA and is one hell of a crazy Marine like a lot of us and a good friend to many. Take good care, stay well and Semper Fi. my friend, Schroder. Delta 1/4 April ’66 to May ’67. I guess that I don’t need to email you all of the comments.

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