b. 1836 County Mayo, Ireland. d. 25/03/1919 Leavenworth, Kansas.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 09/09/1874 Upper Wichita River, Texas.
Indian Wars Medal of Honor Recipient. Born in County Mayo, Ireland, he served as a Private in Company I, 5th Infantry, US Army. On the morning of September 9, 1874, Private Kelly was a member a supply train with a small cavalry escort to the encampment of General Nelson Miles expedition force at Battle Creek, Texas. As the supply train emerged from a canyon on the Upper Washita River, they were attacked by a large Indian war party. Outnumbered by several hundred Kiowa and Comanche warriors, Private Kelly with the cavalry fought fiercely as the train continued onward in what became a daylong fight. He with seven other soldiers were cited for their valiant efforts to reach General Miles with the supplies his 650-man force desperately needed. For gallantry in this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on April 23, 1875.
MOH CITATION:
Gallantry in action.
BURIAL LOCATION: MOUNT CALVARY CEMETERY, LANSING, KANSAS.
SECTION 2, BLOCK 4, LOT N 1/2 GRAVE 3.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
