Sponsored by:

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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Benjamin S. Kelsey, U.S. Army Air Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. On 24 December 1936, at about 7:30 p.m., Lieutenant Kelsey was piloting an airplane from Mitchell Field, Long Island, New York, to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, flying at an altitude of approximately 1,800 feet when he left motor instantaneously failed and the left wing burst into flames. By his outstanding courage, sound judgment, and at the risk of his life Lieutenant Kelsey maintained control of the airplane and, with great difficulty due to the darkness of the night and the glare from the burning airplane, effected a safe landing at Wright Field, thereby preventing the destruction to valuable Government property.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Benjamin S. Kelsey, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kelsey and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1940 – May 24, 1943
    War Department General Orders No. 41 (July 26, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Air Corps) Benjamin Scovill Kelsey, United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States with the Production Division, Headquarters, United States Army Air Forces, from 30 July 1940 to 24 May 1943. In the capacity of Project Office for the Production Division of the Army Air Forces, Colonel Kelsey coordinated the work of others in the development of an airplane which has achieved outstanding tactical success. He contributed more than any other individual to the advanced engineering development of the P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane and conducted many tests, frequently at the risk of his own life, to secure vital scientific and technical data. Without his untiring effort, courage, and faith, this aircraft would not have attained its present stage of military utility. Colonel Kelsey’s expeditious accomplishment of an extremely important assignment reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.