The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander John Lawrence Kelley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78602), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Fleet Communications Officer on the Staff of Commander SEVENTH Fleet during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Theater from 28 March 1951 to 3 March 1952. Exercising outstanding professional skill and sound judgment, Commander Kelley effectively organized his division and maintained efficient communications between friendly operating forces during a prolonged period of sustained operations against the enemy. Working long hours, frequently under adverse conditions, he supervised and coordinated the numerous details involved in the proper functioning of the communication organization of the Fleet. By his inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty throughout, Commander Kelley contributed materially to the success of vital operations against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Kelley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Pringle (DD-477)Action Date:
April 16, 1945
Commander, Destroyers Pacific Fleet: Serial 04230 (December 8, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Lawrence Kelley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78602), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PRINGLE (DD-477), in action against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa on 16 April 1945. When his vessel was attacked by four determined hostile suicide planes while on radar picket station, Commander Kelley courageously and ably fought his ship against the attacking craft and was in large measure responsible for the success of his ship in destroying two and in repulsing a third enemy plane before the fourth crashed on board. By his leadership, fortitude and devotion to duty in fighting his ship to the limit of her capabilities until forced out of action and sunk, Commander Kelley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Pringle (DD-477)Action Date:
December 27, 1944 – January 2, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] John Lawrence Kelley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78602), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PRINGLE (DD-477), in operations against enemy Japanese forces, while escorting a Re-Supply Echelon between Leyte Gulf and Mangarin Bay, Mindoro, Philippine Islands, from 27 December 1944 to 2 January 1945. When his ship sustained serious damage during a savage four-day battle with enemy aircraft, Commander Kelley directed his fire-fighting and damage control crews with skill and resourcefulness and, by his persevering efforts in the face of great personal danger, succeeded in maintaining the PRINGLE as a fighting unit in vital operations. Alert and courageous throughout this action, he contributed materially to the destruction of thirty-seven enemy planes which menaced his convoy and assisted in frustrating the attacks of numerous others. His leadership, initiative and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain John Lawrence Kelley, Jr. (NSN: 0-78602), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from August 1964 to February 1967 as Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications and Electronics, Allied Forces Southern Europe. During this period, Captain Kelley demonstrated exceptional professional competence in the development of plans, programs and policies which have enhanced and will continue to enhance the operational effectiveness, efficiency and capabilities of Allied Forces Southern Europe. Utilizing his outstanding technical and professional knowledge, extraordinary tact and sound judgment, he was instrumental in developing an efficient and effective communications organization, and successfully modernized and improved the communications capability of the Southern Region while reducing substantially its overall cost in money and manpower. Through astute management, Captain Kelley skillfully phased the acquisition of new systems and equipment, and modernization of old, thereby minimizing the adverse effects of personnel reductions and reduced budget, while improving the overall effectiveness of the communications and electronics systems and facilities of the Region. Captain Kelley’s outstanding performance of duty reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.