Crew History
Kelly earned the DFC (posthumously), and later recommended for a Medal of Honor.

Mission History
One of five B-17s that took off from Clark Field as the first American bombing mission of the Pacific war. This B-17 was armed with three 600 lbs bombs, and proceeded to Aparri in search of an enemy aircraft carrier. Finding nothing, it returned to Vigan and attacked heavy cruiser Ashigara from 22,000', one bomb was thought to hit it. (Faslsely claimed to be battleship Haruna)

Attacked by A6M2 Zeros of the Tainan Kokutai, and attacked in repeated passes that damaged the plane, killed crew members and started a fire in the bomb bay. Four of the crew successfully bailed out before the bomber made a force landing near Arayat to the east of Clark Field, but exploded before Kelly could escape.

Joseph St. John recalls in Leyte Calling, page 14-15:
"Captain Kelly went out on his bombing run. I helped load the bombs into his Fortress and scribbled my name on three of them. I don't think anybody else signed the bombs because everyone else was busier than I was. Anyway, I don't know yet why i signed the bombs. I just wanted something to do, I guess."

Memorials
Memorial plaque and bust of Kelly at Clark Field.

References
Thanks to Tony Feredo for additional information
Other sources state this B-17 was assigned to the 30th BS

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?

Last Updated
November 8, 2009