Navy Federal Credit Union

William Kellum graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1950. He was captured in January 1951 and held as a Prisoner of War. He died in captivity while serving as a U.S. Army First Lieutenant about six months after he was captured.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    21st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    January 3, 1951

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 551 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Harold Kellum (ASN: 0-62736), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea, on 3 January 1951. First Lieutenant Kellum assigned the mission of maintaining a combat outpost approximately 3,000 yards in front of the main line of resistance. At the break of day, he could observe the enemy almost completely around his position. Realizing the threat to his security, he immediately began placing his men to meet the new threat. First Lieutenant Kellum ran from position to position, continually exposing himself to the enemy fire, in order to encourage his men and direct the fire fight. When last seen, he was running toward the right flank of his platoon to direct that group of men who were then heavily engaged with the enemy. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Kellum, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korea)

    Action Date:

    January 3, 1951 – Died in Captivity

    First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Harold Kellum (ASN: 0-62736), United States Army, was captured in Korea on 31 January 1951, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death in captivity on or about 31 December 1951.