Medal of Honor: John D. Kelly - Korean War - May 28, 1952

Name: John D. Kelly
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
War: Korean War
Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Date of Action: May 28, 1952
Location: Korea

Summary of Action

On 28 May 1952, Private First Class John D. Kelly displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations against enemy forces in Korea.

Kelly’s platoon had become pinned down by a numerically superior enemy force delivering devastating mortar, artillery, machine-gun, and grenade fire from fortified positions.

Realizing the attack had stalled under the intense enemy barrage, Kelly requested permission to hand off his radio and join the assault against the enemy strongpoints.

Receiving approval, he immediately charged forward through a murderous storm of machine-gun fire and exploding grenades.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Kelly launched a daring assault against the first enemy bunker and personally destroyed the position, killing two enemy soldiers.

Despite overwhelming fire and impossible odds, he continued his advance alone.

Spotting a second enemy machine-gun bunker, Kelly charged directly toward it.

Although painfully wounded during the attack, he refused to stop and destroyed the bunker, killing three more enemy defenders.

Still pressing forward despite his wounds, Kelly launched a third one-man assault against another fortified enemy position.

Closing to point-blank range, he fired directly into the bunker aperture in an effort to silence the emplacement.

At that moment, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

Kelly’s fearless attacks shattered the enemy defense and inspired his fellow Marines to surge forward, overrun the position, and secure the objective.

His extraordinary courage, fighting spirit, and sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Citation

KELLY, JOHN D.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a radio operator of Company C, in action against enemy aggressor forces. With his platoon pinned down by a numerically superior enemy force employing intense mortar, artillery, small-arms and grenade fire, Pfc. Kelly requested permission to leave his radio in the care of another man and to participate in an assault on enemy key positions. Fearlessly charging forward in the face of a murderous hail of machine gun fire and handgrenades, he initiated a daring attack against a hostile strongpoint and personally neutralized the position, killing 2 of the enemy. Unyielding in the fact of heavy odds, he continued forward and single-handedly assaulted a machine gun bunker. Although painfully wounded, he bravely charged the bunker and destroyed it, killing 3 of the enemy. Courageously continuing his 1-man assault, he again stormed forward in a valiant attempt to wipe out a third bunker and boldly delivered pointblank fire into the aperture of the hostile emplacement. Mortally wounded by enemy fire while carrying out this heroic action, Pfc. Kelly, by his great personal valor and aggressive fighting spirit, inspired his comrades to sweep on, overrun and secure the objective. His extraordinary heroism in the face of almost certain death reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.