KELLY, JOHN FRANKLIN
CPL, U.S. Army
Midland County, Texas

Picture:

Medals:

Purple Heart, National defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.

Biography:

John Kelly died on his third day in Vietnam, struck by a mortar as he disembarked the helicopter.

Born February 15, 1947, Kelly was a graduate of Midland Lee High school, one of the best golfers ever to play for the Rebels. He later attended Texas Tech. Nicknamed "Munko" and "Johanna", he is recalled as having the ability to make others laugh. A relative wrote of him, "The world has been a sadder place ever since (his death). I guess I will never get over his death. The Permian Basin Vietnam Veterans Memorial will keep his name alive; his personality and his laughter is my job."