Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in County Mayo, Ireland, he served as a Private in Company I, 5th Infantry, US Army. On the morning of September 9, 1874, Private Kelly was a member a supply train with a small cavalry escort to the encampment of General Nelson Miles expedition force at Battle Creek, Texas. As the supply train emerged from a canyon on the Upper Washita River, they were attacked by a large Indian war party. Outnumbered by several hundred Kiowa and Comanche warriors, Private Kelly with the cavalry fought fiercely as the train continued onward in what became a daylong fight. He with seven other soldiers were cited for their valiant efforts to reach General Miles with the supplies his 650-man force desperately needed. For gallantry in this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1875.
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in County Mayo, Ireland, he served as a Private in Company I, 5th Infantry, US Army. On the morning of September 9, 1874, Private Kelly was a member a supply train with a small cavalry escort to the encampment of General Nelson Miles expedition force at Battle Creek, Texas. As the supply train emerged from a canyon on the Upper Washita River, they were attacked by a large Indian war party. Outnumbered by several hundred Kiowa and Comanche warriors, Private Kelly with the cavalry fought fiercely as the train continued onward in what became a daylong fight. He with seven other soldiers were cited for their valiant efforts to reach General Miles with the supplies his 650-man force desperately needed. For gallantry in this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1875.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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