"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty. On 13 September 1943, near Altavilla, Italy,
Cpl. Kelly voluntarily joined a patrol which located and neutralized
enemy machine gun positions. After this hazardous duty he volunteered to establish contact with a battalion
of U.S. infantry which was believed to be located on Hill 315, a mile
distant. He traveled over a route commanded by enemy observation and
under sniper, mortar, and artillery
fire; and later he returned with the correct information that the enemy
occupied Hill 315 in organized positions. Immediately thereafter Cpl.
Kelly, again a volunteer patrol member, assisted materially in the
destruction of 2 enemy machine gun nests under conditions requiring great
skill and courage. Having effectively fired his weapon until all the
ammunition was exhausted, he secured permission to obtain more at an
ammunition dump. Arriving at the dump, which was located near a
storehouse on the extreme flank of his regiment's position, Cpl. Kelly
found that the Germans were attacking ferociously at this point. He
obtained his ammunition and was given the mission of protecting the rear
of the storehouse. He held his position throughout the night. The
following morning the enemy attack was resumed. Cpl. Kelly took a
position at an open window of the storehouse. One machine gunner had
been killed at this position and several other soldiers wounded. Cpl.
Kelly delivered continuous aimed and effective fire upon the enemy with
his automatic rifle until the weapon locked from overheating. Finding
another automatic rifle, he again directed effective fire upon the enemy
until this weapon also locked. At this critical point, with the enemy
threatening to overrun the position, Cpl. Kelly picked up 60mm mortar
shells, pulled the safety pins, and used the shells as grenades, killing
at least 5 of the enemy. When it became imperative that the house be
evacuated, Cpl. Kelly, despite his sergeant's injunctions, volunteered
to hold the position until the remainder of the detachment could
withdraw. As the detachment moved out, Cpl. Kelly was observed
deliberately loading and firing a rocket launcher from the window. He
was successful in covering the withdrawal of the unit, and later in
joining his own organization. Cpl. Kelly's fighting determination and
intrepidity in battle exemplify the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces."
From Cpl. Kelly's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on February 18, 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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