Medal of Honor: John D. Kelly – World War II, June 25, 1944

John D. Kelly

Corporal, U.S. Army
Conflict: World War II
Unit: Company E, 314th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division
Date of Action: June 25, 1944
Location: Fort du Roule, Cherbourg, France

Summary of Action:
As U.S. forces fought their way into the critical port city of Cherbourg, they were met with fierce resistance from entrenched German defenders. One such strongpoint, Fort du Roule, towered above the city and rained down devastating fire on the American advance.

Corporal John D. Kelly, just 20 years old, volunteered to neutralize a well-defended enemy emplacement that was blocking his company’s advance. With complete disregard for his safety, he scaled a jagged cliff under relentless enemy machine-gun fire. Armed only with a pole charge, he ascended the heights alone, placed the charge directly on the fortification, and destroyed it.

But he didn’t stop there.

Twice more, Kelly ascended the exposed slope with explosives under intense fire, silencing a second and then a third German position. His bravery shattered the enemy defense and inspired his fellow soldiers to overrun the fort.

Kelly survived the battle for Cherbourg, but five months later, he was killed in action. He never lived to wear the Medal of Honor that his courage so clearly earned—but his actions helped open the port of Cherbourg and changed the course of the Normandy campaign.

Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 25 June 1944, near Fort du Roule, Cherbourg, France.

Corporal Kelly voluntarily undertook the perilous mission of destroying an enemy gun emplacement which had been hindering the advance of his company for two days and had stopped one attacking platoon. With utter disregard for his own safety, Corporal Kelly climbed the slope to the pillbox under enemy machine-gun and rifle fire and placed a pole charge at its base. The enemy fire was so intense that the pole was shot from his hands. Corporal Kelly returned, secured another charge, and again climbed the slope, firing his weapon with one hand and holding the pole charge with the other.

He succeeded in placing the charge at the base of the emplacement, destroying it and killing its occupants. With this position destroyed, Corporal Kelly, again alone, assaulted a second pillbox 50 yards away and succeeded in demolishing it. Although wounded, he then attempted to wipe out a third pillbox but was stopped by heavy machine-gun fire and returned to cover.

After receiving first aid, he returned to his company to lead them in the final assault. Inspired by his action, the company advanced with such ferocity that the enemy was routed and the mission completed. Corporal Kelly’s fearless actions and outstanding gallantry were an inspiration to his comrades and exemplify the highest traditions of military service.