Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Korean War - U.S. Marine Corps
John Doran Kelly
Details
- Rank: Private First Class
- Conflict/Era: Korean War
- Unit/Command:
Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines,
1st Marine Division (Rein) - Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
- Medal of Honor Action Date: May 28, 1952
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Korea
Citation
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 hand grenades, he initiated a daring attack against a hostile strongpoint and personally neutralized the position, killing two of the enemy. Unyielding in the face of heavy odds, he continued forward and singlehandedly assaulted a machine-gun bunker. Although painfully wounded, he bravely charged the bunker and destroyed it, killing three of the enemy. Courageously continuing his one-man assault, he again stormed forward in a valiant attempt to wipe out a third bunker and boldly delivered point-blank 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.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Homestead, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: September 9, 1953
Washington, D.C., Marine Corps Barracks, presented by Vice Pres. Richard M. Nixon to his Mother - Born: July 8, 1928, Youngstown, Mahoning County, OH, United States
- Died: May 28, 1952, Korea
- Buried: Jefferson Memorial Cemetery (MH) (20-319), Pittsburgh, PA, United States