b. 1835 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. d. 24/07/1873 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 22/08/1863 Wilmington, North Carolina.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Union Navy as a Master-at-Arms on board the U.S.S. Shokokon under the alias “Robert T. Clifford”. Awarded the CMOH for his bravery at an engagement at New Topsail Inlet off Wilmington, North Carolina on August 22, 1863. His citation reads “Participating in a strategic plan to destroy an enemy schooner, Clifford aided in the portage of a dinghy across a narrow neck of land separating the sea from the sound. Launching the boat in the sound, the crew approached the enemy from the rear and Clifford gallantly crept into the rebel camp and counted the men who outnumbered his party 3 to 1. Returning to his men, he ordered a charge in which the enemy was routed, leaving behind a schooner and a quantity of supplies”. Medal was issued on December 31, 1864. Since he never asked for it to re-issued under his real name, Seaman Kelley’s official citation is still listed alphabetically under his Clifford alias.
MOH CITATION:
Served on board the U.S.S. Shokokon at New Topsail Inlet off Wilmington, North Carolina, 22 August 1863.
BURIAL LOCATION: LAUREL HILL CEMETERY, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
SECTION 17, LOT 149
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
