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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Colin Purdie Kelly, Jr. (ASN: 0-20811), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight of nine B-17 bombers from Honolulu to the Philippine Islands from 5 September to 12 September 1941. Captain Kelly displayed skillful airmanship and accurate knowledge of the highly technical details involved in the successful execution of the flight which involved traversing by air uncharted waters from Wake Island to Port Moresby and Darwin and thence to Fort Stotsenburg. The speed with which each phase of this flight was accomplished indicated a high quality of navigation. This outstanding achievement reflects the highest credit on the military forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    14th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 10, 1941
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 46 (September 17, 1941)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Air Corps) Colin Purdie Kelly, Jr. (ASN: 0-20811), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 14th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (H), FAR EAST Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 10 December 1941, near Aparri, Cagayan, Philippine Islands. With his airplane a focal point of fire from the strong hostile naval forces, Captain Kelly exhibited a high degree of valor and skill in placing three direct hits upon an enemy battleship, resulting in its destruction. En route to his home airfield upon completion of his mission, his airplane was set afire by the attack of two enemy fighters, but Captain Kelly, the last to leave the burning plan was killed in the resulting crash. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Kelly on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.