Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Korean War - U.S. Marine Corps
Jack William Kelso
- Rank: Private First Class
- Conflict/Era: Korean War
- Unit/Command:
Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein) - Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
- Medal of Honor Action Date: October 2, 1952
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Korea
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman of Company I, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When both the platoon commander and the platoon sergeant became casualties during the defense of a vital outpost against a numerically superior enemy force attacking at night under cover of intense small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire, Pfc. Kelso bravely exposed himself to the hail of enemy fire in a determined effort to reorganize the unit and to repel the onrushing attackers. Forced to seek cover, along with four other marines, in a nearby bunker which immediately came under attack, he unhesitatingly picked up an enemy grenade which landed in the shelter, rushed out into the open, and hurled it back at the enemy. Although painfully wounded when the grenade exploded as it left his hand, and again forced to seek the protection of the bunker when the hostile fire became more intensified, Pfc. Kelso refused to remain in his position of comparative safety and moved out into the fire-swept area to return the enemy fire, thereby permitting the pinned-down marines in the bunker to escape. Mortally wounded while providing covering fire for his comrades, Pfc. Kelso, by his valiant fighting spirit, aggressive determination, and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of others, served to inspire all who observed him. His heroic actions sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
- Accredited to: Caruthers, Fresno County, California
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: September 9, 1953
Marine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C., presented by Vice Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his parents
- Born: January 23, 1934, Madera, Madera County, CA, United States
- Died: October 2, 1952, Korea
- Buried: Washington Colony Cemetery (MH) (2-8x-3c), Fresno, CA, United States
- Location of Medal: National Museum of the US Marine Corps, Quantico, VA