Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Second Class Fireman John Kelley received the Medal of Honor for his actions on July 9, 1862 at Roanoke River, near Hamilton, North Carolina during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Ceres.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day.
Kelley was born in Ireland — one of 258 recipients born in Ireland. Kelley died on September 12, 1927 in Jackson, Michigan. He is buried at Mount Evergreen Cemetery in Jackson, Michigan. His medal is held by Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC.
Kelley is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Served as second-class fireman on board the U.S. Ceres in the fight near Hamilton, Roanoke River, 9 July 1862. When his ship was fired upon by the enemy with small arms, Kelley returned the raking fire, courageously carrying out his duties throughout the engagement, and was spoken of for "good conduct and cool bravery under enemy fire" by the commanding officer.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- Date unknownBorn in Ireland
- July 9, 1862Act of valor — Roanoke River, near Hamilton, North CarolinaU.S.S. Ceres
- September 12, 1927Died in Jackson, Michigan
- Resting placeMount Evergreen CemeteryJackson, Michigan