World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Nicknamed "Commando Kelly, the One Man Army", he served as a Corporal in Company L, 143rd Infantry, 36th Infantry Division, US Army. On September, 13, 1943, near Altavilla, Italy, Corporal Kelly voluntarily joined a patrol to locate German machine gun positions. After locating an enemy observation point, he returned with the information and assisted in the destruction of two enemy machine gun nests. Arriving back to his company's position, he found that the Germans were attacking from all flanks. Given the mission of protecting the rear command post house, he held his position throughout the night. In the morning the enemy attack was resumed, Corporal Kelly delivered effective fire upon the enemy with his automatic rifle until the weapon locked from overheating. Finding another weapon, he continued firing with the enemy threatening to overrun the position, he picked up 60mm. mortar shells, pulled the pins and used the shells as grenades, killing 5 of the enemy. When it became imperative that the house be evacuated, he held the position until the remainder of the detachment could withdraw and later joined his unit. For conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 18, 1944 and promoted Sergeant.
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Nicknamed "Commando Kelly, the One Man Army", he served as a Corporal in Company L, 143rd Infantry, 36th Infantry Division, US Army. On September, 13, 1943, near Altavilla, Italy, Corporal Kelly voluntarily joined a patrol to locate German machine gun positions. After locating an enemy observation point, he returned with the information and assisted in the destruction of two enemy machine gun nests. Arriving back to his company's position, he found that the Germans were attacking from all flanks. Given the mission of protecting the rear command post house, he held his position throughout the night. In the morning the enemy attack was resumed, Corporal Kelly delivered effective fire upon the enemy with his automatic rifle until the weapon locked from overheating. Finding another weapon, he continued firing with the enemy threatening to overrun the position, he picked up 60mm. mortar shells, pulled the pins and used the shells as grenades, killing 5 of the enemy. When it became imperative that the house be evacuated, he held the position until the remainder of the detachment could withdraw and later joined his unit. For conspicuous gallantry, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 18, 1944 and promoted Sergeant.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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