Martin was the son of Thomas Francis and Katherine M. "Kate" Roach. They were married on 26 Oct 1899 in Lauderdale County, MS. The three siblings of Martin were Thomas Francis Kielty Jr, John Patrick Kielty and Mary E. Kielty.
With his father's permission on 5 Jan 1927, Martin enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.) in the US Navy (NSN: 274-01-84) on 10 Jan 1927 at the Navy Recruiting Station, New Orleans, LA for a period of four years. He reported on 22 Jan 1927 to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for basic training. After completing basic training on 07 Mar 1927, Kielty was assigned to the light cruiser, USS Raleigh (CL-7) on 04 May 1927. He was promoted to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 11 May 1927. The following year, S2c Kielty was detached from the Raleigh and transferred for duty on board the light cruiser, USS Marblehead (CL-12) on 30 May 1928.
He was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 10 Jan 1929. On 2 July 1929, Kielty was transferred from Marblehead to the Receiving Ship, New York for temporary duty where he completed a course of instruction at the Silent Motion Picture Projectionist's School at the Navy Yard. After he completed the course, Kielty detached from the school on 19 Aug and returned on board Marblehead on 20 Aug 1929 at the Navy Yard in Boston, MA. On 26 April 1930, Kielty detached from Marblehead and exchanged duty with S1c Martin Michael Deninger who was on board the light cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CL-25). On 27 Jun 1930, Kielty extended his enlistment for two years. On 28 May 1932, Kielty was detached from the Salt Lake City and transferred to the East Coast via the transport USS Henderson (AP-1) for an end of enlistment (EE) discharge He was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class (S1c) on 25 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (N.O.B.), Hampton Roads, VA.
He reenlisted for four years in the US Navy on 29 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Washington, D.C. After eight days of leave, Kielty reported on board the Henderson for further transfer (FFT) to Commander Battle Force for assignment. On 28 July 1932, he reported to the battleship USS California (BB-44). Kielty was detached from the California on 24 Mar 1933 and transferred via the Receiving Ship in San Francisco, CA FFT to the US Naval Air Station (NAS), Sunnyvale, CA for duty. He reported for duty on 03 April 1933.
About a month, later on 03 May 1933 in San Francisco, CA, Kielty married Lela Lee Hanks. They were the parents of two children; Joan Lee and Beverly Dee Kielty. Both children were born in San Jose, CA.
After two years of shore duty at NAS, Sunnyvale, S1c Kielty was detached on 15 Aug 1935 and transferred to the Receiving Ship in San Francisco FFT to the light cruiser, USS Concord (CL-10). He reported for duty on 20 Aug 1935. Several weeks later, Kielty was promoted to Ships Cook Third Class on 09 Sep 1935. While on board Concord, Kielty extended his enlistment for three years on 28 Jun 1936. He was detached from duty on board the Concord and reported on board the precommissioning detail of the new destroyer USS Preston (DD-397) on 30 Jul 1936 at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, CA. SC3 Kielty was advanced in rate to Ships Cook Second Class (SC2) on 16 Dec 1936. SC2 Kielty was honorably discharged on 24 May 1939 and reenlisted on 25 May 1939 in San Diego, CA. for a period of four years.
After serving three years of duty on board the Preston, Petty Officer Kielty was detached and transferred to the destroyer USS Cassin (DD-372) for duty on 15 Sep 1939. Kielty was detached and transferred via USS Farragut on 3 Oct 1939 FFT to the heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) on 16 Feb 1940 in Pearl Harbor. Promoted to Ships Cook First Class (SC1) on 16 Aug 1940.
On 24 August 1940, Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to Mare Island Navy Yard in California. She arrived there on 30 August 1940. Following her modernization and overhaul at Mare Island, Houston got underway on 15 October 1940 and made two brief stops at California ports before arriving back in Pearl Harbor on 24 October 1940.
Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to join the Asiatic Fleet on 3 Nov 1940. After a brief stop in Guam, Houston steamed on to the Philippine Islands arriving at Manila on 19 Nov where she became the flagship of Admiral Thomas C. Hart, Commander Asiatic Fleet.
As the prospects of hostilities with Japan increased, so did the operational tempo of Houston. In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and begun hostilities. Later that day, Houston got underway from the Philippines with other fleet units steaming to Surabaya, Java arriving there on 17 Dec. Houston then departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec where she arrived on 28 Dec 1941. She then joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force at Surabaya. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. Houston was hit by an aerial bomb that destroyed a gun turret. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat. On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. Late in the evening of the 28th, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged a Japanese force in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. Houston and Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers. In the maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships, but were themselves sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway).
Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 77 died in captivity.
Mrs Lela Kielty received a telegram dated 14 Mar 1942 from the Navy Dept. informing her that her husband was missing in action in the performance of his duty.
According to the USS Houston's 01 Mar 1942 muster report (compiled several years later), Petty Officer Kielty was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. His death certificate issued by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Navy Department stated that he was born in Meridian, MS on 27 Jun 1909 and that he was on board USS Houston and is now presumed dead on 15 Dec 1945 in the Java Sea. Remains were not recovered. Total service for pay was 18y 01m 03d.
Petty Officer Kielty was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Good Conduct Medal on 25 May 1943. He was also awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp) with three battle stars. US Navy Presidential Unit Citation and ribbon with one star. American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp). Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze Star. World War II Victory Medal and Purple Heart. Inducted into King Neptune's Realm as a Shellback crossing the Equator at East Longitude 118-35-00 on 14 Dec 1941. Eligible for Combat Action Ribbon (backdated to 07 Dec 1941).
------------------------------------------
USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
For the President
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy
-----------------------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Martin Thomas Kielty, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 Dec 1945 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
-----------------------------
[Bio #68 compiled by Gerry Lawton, G47]
Primary source of information in his bio obtained from SC1 Kielty's Navy service record in the National Archives, St. Louis, MO.
With his father's permission on 5 Jan 1927, Martin enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.) in the US Navy (NSN: 274-01-84) on 10 Jan 1927 at the Navy Recruiting Station, New Orleans, LA for a period of four years. He reported on 22 Jan 1927 to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for basic training. After completing basic training on 07 Mar 1927, Kielty was assigned to the light cruiser, USS Raleigh (CL-7) on 04 May 1927. He was promoted to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 11 May 1927. The following year, S2c Kielty was detached from the Raleigh and transferred for duty on board the light cruiser, USS Marblehead (CL-12) on 30 May 1928.
He was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 10 Jan 1929. On 2 July 1929, Kielty was transferred from Marblehead to the Receiving Ship, New York for temporary duty where he completed a course of instruction at the Silent Motion Picture Projectionist's School at the Navy Yard. After he completed the course, Kielty detached from the school on 19 Aug and returned on board Marblehead on 20 Aug 1929 at the Navy Yard in Boston, MA. On 26 April 1930, Kielty detached from Marblehead and exchanged duty with S1c Martin Michael Deninger who was on board the light cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CL-25). On 27 Jun 1930, Kielty extended his enlistment for two years. On 28 May 1932, Kielty was detached from the Salt Lake City and transferred to the East Coast via the transport USS Henderson (AP-1) for an end of enlistment (EE) discharge He was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class (S1c) on 25 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (N.O.B.), Hampton Roads, VA.
He reenlisted for four years in the US Navy on 29 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Washington, D.C. After eight days of leave, Kielty reported on board the Henderson for further transfer (FFT) to Commander Battle Force for assignment. On 28 July 1932, he reported to the battleship USS California (BB-44). Kielty was detached from the California on 24 Mar 1933 and transferred via the Receiving Ship in San Francisco, CA FFT to the US Naval Air Station (NAS), Sunnyvale, CA for duty. He reported for duty on 03 April 1933.
About a month, later on 03 May 1933 in San Francisco, CA, Kielty married Lela Lee Hanks. They were the parents of two children; Joan Lee and Beverly Dee Kielty. Both children were born in San Jose, CA.
After two years of shore duty at NAS, Sunnyvale, S1c Kielty was detached on 15 Aug 1935 and transferred to the Receiving Ship in San Francisco FFT to the light cruiser, USS Concord (CL-10). He reported for duty on 20 Aug 1935. Several weeks later, Kielty was promoted to Ships Cook Third Class on 09 Sep 1935. While on board Concord, Kielty extended his enlistment for three years on 28 Jun 1936. He was detached from duty on board the Concord and reported on board the precommissioning detail of the new destroyer USS Preston (DD-397) on 30 Jul 1936 at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, CA. SC3 Kielty was advanced in rate to Ships Cook Second Class (SC2) on 16 Dec 1936. SC2 Kielty was honorably discharged on 24 May 1939 and reenlisted on 25 May 1939 in San Diego, CA. for a period of four years.
After serving three years of duty on board the Preston, Petty Officer Kielty was detached and transferred to the destroyer USS Cassin (DD-372) for duty on 15 Sep 1939. Kielty was detached and transferred via USS Farragut on 3 Oct 1939 FFT to the heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) on 16 Feb 1940 in Pearl Harbor. Promoted to Ships Cook First Class (SC1) on 16 Aug 1940.
On 24 August 1940, Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to Mare Island Navy Yard in California. She arrived there on 30 August 1940. Following her modernization and overhaul at Mare Island, Houston got underway on 15 October 1940 and made two brief stops at California ports before arriving back in Pearl Harbor on 24 October 1940.
Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to join the Asiatic Fleet on 3 Nov 1940. After a brief stop in Guam, Houston steamed on to the Philippine Islands arriving at Manila on 19 Nov where she became the flagship of Admiral Thomas C. Hart, Commander Asiatic Fleet.
As the prospects of hostilities with Japan increased, so did the operational tempo of Houston. In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and begun hostilities. Later that day, Houston got underway from the Philippines with other fleet units steaming to Surabaya, Java arriving there on 17 Dec. Houston then departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec where she arrived on 28 Dec 1941. She then joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force at Surabaya. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. Houston was hit by an aerial bomb that destroyed a gun turret. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat. On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. Late in the evening of the 28th, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged a Japanese force in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. Houston and Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers. In the maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships, but were themselves sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway).
Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 77 died in captivity.
Mrs Lela Kielty received a telegram dated 14 Mar 1942 from the Navy Dept. informing her that her husband was missing in action in the performance of his duty.
According to the USS Houston's 01 Mar 1942 muster report (compiled several years later), Petty Officer Kielty was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. His death certificate issued by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Navy Department stated that he was born in Meridian, MS on 27 Jun 1909 and that he was on board USS Houston and is now presumed dead on 15 Dec 1945 in the Java Sea. Remains were not recovered. Total service for pay was 18y 01m 03d.
Petty Officer Kielty was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Good Conduct Medal on 25 May 1943. He was also awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp) with three battle stars. US Navy Presidential Unit Citation and ribbon with one star. American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp). Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze Star. World War II Victory Medal and Purple Heart. Inducted into King Neptune's Realm as a Shellback crossing the Equator at East Longitude 118-35-00 on 14 Dec 1941. Eligible for Combat Action Ribbon (backdated to 07 Dec 1941).
------------------------------------------
USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
For the President
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy
-----------------------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Martin Thomas Kielty, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 Dec 1945 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
-----------------------------
[Bio #68 compiled by Gerry Lawton, G47]
Primary source of information in his bio obtained from SC1 Kielty's Navy service record in the National Archives, St. Louis, MO.
Martin was the son of Thomas Francis and Katherine M. "Kate" Roach. They were married on 26 Oct 1899 in Lauderdale County, MS. The three siblings of Martin were Thomas Francis Kielty Jr, John Patrick Kielty and Mary E. Kielty.
With his father's permission on 5 Jan 1927, Martin enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.) in the US Navy (NSN: 274-01-84) on 10 Jan 1927 at the Navy Recruiting Station, New Orleans, LA for a period of four years. He reported on 22 Jan 1927 to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for basic training. After completing basic training on 07 Mar 1927, Kielty was assigned to the light cruiser, USS Raleigh (CL-7) on 04 May 1927. He was promoted to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 11 May 1927. The following year, S2c Kielty was detached from the Raleigh and transferred for duty on board the light cruiser, USS Marblehead (CL-12) on 30 May 1928.
He was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 10 Jan 1929. On 2 July 1929, Kielty was transferred from Marblehead to the Receiving Ship, New York for temporary duty where he completed a course of instruction at the Silent Motion Picture Projectionist's School at the Navy Yard. After he completed the course, Kielty detached from the school on 19 Aug and returned on board Marblehead on 20 Aug 1929 at the Navy Yard in Boston, MA. On 26 April 1930, Kielty detached from Marblehead and exchanged duty with S1c Martin Michael Deninger who was on board the light cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CL-25). On 27 Jun 1930, Kielty extended his enlistment for two years. On 28 May 1932, Kielty was detached from the Salt Lake City and transferred to the East Coast via the transport USS Henderson (AP-1) for an end of enlistment (EE) discharge He was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class (S1c) on 25 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (N.O.B.), Hampton Roads, VA.
He reenlisted for four years in the US Navy on 29 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Washington, D.C. After eight days of leave, Kielty reported on board the Henderson for further transfer (FFT) to Commander Battle Force for assignment. On 28 July 1932, he reported to the battleship USS California (BB-44). Kielty was detached from the California on 24 Mar 1933 and transferred via the Receiving Ship in San Francisco, CA FFT to the US Naval Air Station (NAS), Sunnyvale, CA for duty. He reported for duty on 03 April 1933.
About a month, later on 03 May 1933 in San Francisco, CA, Kielty married Lela Lee Hanks. They were the parents of two children; Joan Lee and Beverly Dee Kielty. Both children were born in San Jose, CA.
After two years of shore duty at NAS, Sunnyvale, S1c Kielty was detached on 15 Aug 1935 and transferred to the Receiving Ship in San Francisco FFT to the light cruiser, USS Concord (CL-10). He reported for duty on 20 Aug 1935. Several weeks later, Kielty was promoted to Ships Cook Third Class on 09 Sep 1935. While on board Concord, Kielty extended his enlistment for three years on 28 Jun 1936. He was detached from duty on board the Concord and reported on board the precommissioning detail of the new destroyer USS Preston (DD-397) on 30 Jul 1936 at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, CA. SC3 Kielty was advanced in rate to Ships Cook Second Class (SC2) on 16 Dec 1936. SC2 Kielty was honorably discharged on 24 May 1939 and reenlisted on 25 May 1939 in San Diego, CA. for a period of four years.
After serving three years of duty on board the Preston, Petty Officer Kielty was detached and transferred to the destroyer USS Cassin (DD-372) for duty on 15 Sep 1939. Kielty was detached and transferred via USS Farragut on 3 Oct 1939 FFT to the heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) on 16 Feb 1940 in Pearl Harbor. Promoted to Ships Cook First Class (SC1) on 16 Aug 1940.
On 24 August 1940, Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to Mare Island Navy Yard in California. She arrived there on 30 August 1940. Following her modernization and overhaul at Mare Island, Houston got underway on 15 October 1940 and made two brief stops at California ports before arriving back in Pearl Harbor on 24 October 1940.
Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to join the Asiatic Fleet on 3 Nov 1940. After a brief stop in Guam, Houston steamed on to the Philippine Islands arriving at Manila on 19 Nov where she became the flagship of Admiral Thomas C. Hart, Commander Asiatic Fleet.
As the prospects of hostilities with Japan increased, so did the operational tempo of Houston. In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and begun hostilities. Later that day, Houston got underway from the Philippines with other fleet units steaming to Surabaya, Java arriving there on 17 Dec. Houston then departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec where she arrived on 28 Dec 1941. She then joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force at Surabaya. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. Houston was hit by an aerial bomb that destroyed a gun turret. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat. On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. Late in the evening of the 28th, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged a Japanese force in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. Houston and Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers. In the maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships, but were themselves sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway).
Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 77 died in captivity.
Mrs Lela Kielty received a telegram dated 14 Mar 1942 from the Navy Dept. informing her that her husband was missing in action in the performance of his duty.
According to the USS Houston's 01 Mar 1942 muster report (compiled several years later), Petty Officer Kielty was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. His death certificate issued by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Navy Department stated that he was born in Meridian, MS on 27 Jun 1909 and that he was on board USS Houston and is now presumed dead on 15 Dec 1945 in the Java Sea. Remains were not recovered. Total service for pay was 18y 01m 03d.
Petty Officer Kielty was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Good Conduct Medal on 25 May 1943. He was also awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp) with three battle stars. US Navy Presidential Unit Citation and ribbon with one star. American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp). Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze Star. World War II Victory Medal and Purple Heart. Inducted into King Neptune's Realm as a Shellback crossing the Equator at East Longitude 118-35-00 on 14 Dec 1941. Eligible for Combat Action Ribbon (backdated to 07 Dec 1941).
------------------------------------------
USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
For the President
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy
-----------------------------------------
Honor Scroll
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Martin Thomas Kielty, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 Dec 1945 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
-----------------------------
[Bio #68 compiled by Gerry Lawton, G47]
Primary source of information in his bio obtained from SC1 Kielty's Navy service record in the National Archives, St. Louis, MO.
With his father's permission on 5 Jan 1927, Martin enlisted as an Apprentice Seaman (A.S.) in the US Navy (NSN: 274-01-84) on 10 Jan 1927 at the Navy Recruiting Station, New Orleans, LA for a period of four years. He reported on 22 Jan 1927 to the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, VA for basic training. After completing basic training on 07 Mar 1927, Kielty was assigned to the light cruiser, USS Raleigh (CL-7) on 04 May 1927. He was promoted to Seaman Second Class (S2c) on 11 May 1927. The following year, S2c Kielty was detached from the Raleigh and transferred for duty on board the light cruiser, USS Marblehead (CL-12) on 30 May 1928.
He was advanced in rate to Seaman First Class (S1c) on 10 Jan 1929. On 2 July 1929, Kielty was transferred from Marblehead to the Receiving Ship, New York for temporary duty where he completed a course of instruction at the Silent Motion Picture Projectionist's School at the Navy Yard. After he completed the course, Kielty detached from the school on 19 Aug and returned on board Marblehead on 20 Aug 1929 at the Navy Yard in Boston, MA. On 26 April 1930, Kielty detached from Marblehead and exchanged duty with S1c Martin Michael Deninger who was on board the light cruiser USS Salt Lake City (CL-25). On 27 Jun 1930, Kielty extended his enlistment for two years. On 28 May 1932, Kielty was detached from the Salt Lake City and transferred to the East Coast via the transport USS Henderson (AP-1) for an end of enlistment (EE) discharge He was honorably discharged as a Seaman First Class (S1c) on 25 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Naval Operating Base (N.O.B.), Hampton Roads, VA.
He reenlisted for four years in the US Navy on 29 Jun 1932 at the Receiving Station, Washington, D.C. After eight days of leave, Kielty reported on board the Henderson for further transfer (FFT) to Commander Battle Force for assignment. On 28 July 1932, he reported to the battleship USS California (BB-44). Kielty was detached from the California on 24 Mar 1933 and transferred via the Receiving Ship in San Francisco, CA FFT to the US Naval Air Station (NAS), Sunnyvale, CA for duty. He reported for duty on 03 April 1933.
About a month, later on 03 May 1933 in San Francisco, CA, Kielty married Lela Lee Hanks. They were the parents of two children; Joan Lee and Beverly Dee Kielty. Both children were born in San Jose, CA.
After two years of shore duty at NAS, Sunnyvale, S1c Kielty was detached on 15 Aug 1935 and transferred to the Receiving Ship in San Francisco FFT to the light cruiser, USS Concord (CL-10). He reported for duty on 20 Aug 1935. Several weeks later, Kielty was promoted to Ships Cook Third Class on 09 Sep 1935. While on board Concord, Kielty extended his enlistment for three years on 28 Jun 1936. He was detached from duty on board the Concord and reported on board the precommissioning detail of the new destroyer USS Preston (DD-397) on 30 Jul 1936 at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, CA. SC3 Kielty was advanced in rate to Ships Cook Second Class (SC2) on 16 Dec 1936. SC2 Kielty was honorably discharged on 24 May 1939 and reenlisted on 25 May 1939 in San Diego, CA. for a period of four years.
After serving three years of duty on board the Preston, Petty Officer Kielty was detached and transferred to the destroyer USS Cassin (DD-372) for duty on 15 Sep 1939. Kielty was detached and transferred via USS Farragut on 3 Oct 1939 FFT to the heavy cruiser USS Houston (CA-30) on 16 Feb 1940 in Pearl Harbor. Promoted to Ships Cook First Class (SC1) on 16 Aug 1940.
On 24 August 1940, Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to Mare Island Navy Yard in California. She arrived there on 30 August 1940. Following her modernization and overhaul at Mare Island, Houston got underway on 15 October 1940 and made two brief stops at California ports before arriving back in Pearl Harbor on 24 October 1940.
Houston departed Pearl Harbor steaming to join the Asiatic Fleet on 3 Nov 1940. After a brief stop in Guam, Houston steamed on to the Philippine Islands arriving at Manila on 19 Nov where she became the flagship of Admiral Thomas C. Hart, Commander Asiatic Fleet.
As the prospects of hostilities with Japan increased, so did the operational tempo of Houston. In the predawn hours of 8 Dec 1941 (7 Dec east of the International Date Line), Houston received a message indicating that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and begun hostilities. Later that day, Houston got underway from the Philippines with other fleet units steaming to Surabaya, Java arriving there on 17 Dec. Houston then departed for Darwin, Australia on 20 Dec where she arrived on 28 Dec 1941. She then joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force at Surabaya. Houston was underway again providing escort services on 12 Jan 1942.
Houston did not see combat action until 4 Feb in the Battle of Makassar Strait when Japanese land based attack aircraft began bombing the ABDA force. Houston was hit by an aerial bomb that destroyed a gun turret. For the next several weeks, Houston was engaged in frequent combat. On 27 Feb 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea began in which Houston was a participant. Late in the evening of the 28th, Houston and the Australian Navy light cruiser Perth engaged a Japanese force in what became known as the Battle of Sunda Strait. Houston and Perth engaged three Japanese cruisers and nine Japanese destroyers. In the maelstrom that followed, Houston and Perth sunk a number of Japanese ships, but were themselves sunk by torpedoes and gunfire from Japanese heavy cruisers Mogami and Mikuma (Mikuma was sunk and the Mogami heavily damaged several months later in the Battle of Midway).
Houston lost almost 700 crewmen. Most of the survivors were captured by the Japanese and sent to internment or work camps. Of the 368 known Navy and Marine Corps personnel taken prisoner, 77 died in captivity.
Mrs Lela Kielty received a telegram dated 14 Mar 1942 from the Navy Dept. informing her that her husband was missing in action in the performance of his duty.
According to the USS Houston's 01 Mar 1942 muster report (compiled several years later), Petty Officer Kielty was reported missing in action on 01 Mar 1942. His death certificate issued by the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Navy Department stated that he was born in Meridian, MS on 27 Jun 1909 and that he was on board USS Houston and is now presumed dead on 15 Dec 1945 in the Java Sea. Remains were not recovered. Total service for pay was 18y 01m 03d.
Petty Officer Kielty was awarded (posthumously) the Navy Good Conduct Medal on 25 May 1943. He was also awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp) with three battle stars. US Navy Presidential Unit Citation and ribbon with one star. American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp (one bronze star in lieu of Fleet Clasp). Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Philippine Defense Ribbon with Bronze Star. World War II Victory Medal and Purple Heart. Inducted into King Neptune's Realm as a Shellback crossing the Equator at East Longitude 118-35-00 on 14 Dec 1941. Eligible for Combat Action Ribbon (backdated to 07 Dec 1941).
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USS Houston (CA-30) Presidential Unit Citation (WWII)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in awarding the Presidential Unit Citation to the UNITED STATES SHIP HOUSTON for services as set forth in the following citation:
For outstanding performance against enemy Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific from December 7, 1941, to February 28, 1942. At sea almost constantly, often damaged but self-maintaining, the HOUSTON kept the sea. She maneuvered superbly and with deadly antiaircraft fire repulsed the nine-plane Japanese bombing squadrons attacking a troop convoy under her care. Later, in company with other Allied ships, she engaged a powerful enemy force, carried the brunt of the action with her two remaining 8-inch turrets and aided in damaging and routing two enemy heavy cruisers from the line of battle. On February 28, the HOUSTON went down, gallantly fighting to the last against overwhelming odds. She leaves behind her an inspiring record of valiant and distinguished service.
For the President
Frank Knox
Secretary of the Navy
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Honor Scroll
His family also received a commemoration from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It reads: In grateful memory of Martin Thomas Kielty, who died in the service of his country at SEA, Pacific Area, ATTACHED U.S.S. HOUSTON, 15 Dec 1945 (Presumed)*. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives -- in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.
(Signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt,
President of the United States of America
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[Bio #68 compiled by Gerry Lawton, G47]
Primary source of information in his bio obtained from SC1 Kielty's Navy service record in the National Archives, St. Louis, MO.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from California.
Family Members
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