Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, River Assault Division
152
Place and date: Ong Muong Canal, Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 June 1969
Entered service at: Boston, Massachusetts
Born: 13 May 1939, Boston, Massachusetts
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the afternoon while serving
as commander of River Assault Division 152 during combat operations against enemy aggressor forces.
Lieutenant Commander (then Lieutenant)
Kelley was in charge of a column of 8 river assault craft which were extracting 1 company of U.S. Army infantry troops on the
east bank of the Ong Muong Canal in Kien Hoa Province, when 1 of the armored troop carriers reported a mechanical failure of a
loading ramp. At approximately the same time, Viet Cong forces opened fire from the opposite bank of the canal. After issuing
orders for the crippled troop carrier to raise its ramp manually, and for the remaining boats to form a protective cordon around
the disabled craft, Lieutenant Commander Kelley realizing the extreme danger to his column and its
inability to clear the ambush site until the crippled unit was repaired, boldly maneuvered the monitor in which he was embarked to the exposed side of the
protective cordon in direct line with the enemy's fire, and ordered the monitor to commence firing. Suddenly, an enemy rocket scored a
direct hit on the coxswain's flat, the shell penetrating the thick armor plate, and the explosion spraying shrapnel in all
directions. Sustaining serious head wounds from the blast, which hurled him to the deck of the monitor,
Lieutenant Commander Kelley
disregarded his severe injuries and attempted to continue directing the other boats. Although unable to move from the deck or to
speak clearly into the radio, he succeeded in relaying his commands through 1 of his men until the enemy attack was silenced
and the boats were able to move to an area of safety. Lieutenant Commander Kelley's brilliant leadership, bold initiative, and resolute
determination served to inspire his men and provide the impetus needed to carry out the mission after he was medically
evacuated by helicopter. His extraordinary courage under fire, and his selfless devotion to duty sustain and enhance the finest
traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Thomas G. Kelley receiving the Medal of Honor from President Richard M. Nixon
Captain Thomas G. Kelley, USN ( Ret.)
The Medal of Honor was established by Joint Resolution of Congress, 12 July 1862 (amended by acts 9 July 1918 and 25 July 1963). The Medal of Honor is awarded by the President in the name of Congress to a person who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his comrades and must have involved risk of life. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit.
The medal was originally awarded to petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines for gallantry in action
and other seamanlike qualities (such as the saving of lives). Officers were not eligible until March 3,
1915, but some awards were made retroactive to earlier campaigns. An Act of Congress on August 7,
1942 established the Medal of Honor as a combat award only. It is the highest award for gallantry that
the Army or Navy bestows.