James Johnson Kelly | |
|---|---|
 Major James Kelly Tuskegee Airman | |
| Born | (1928-03-29)March 29, 1928 |
| Died | December 29, 2018(2018-12-29) (aged 90) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | |
| Years of service | 1946–1971 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Commands | Squadron Commander |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Chosin Reservoir |
| Awards | |
| Spouse | Sally |
James Johnson Kelly (March 29, 1928 – December 29, 2018) was aUnited States Army Air Force/United States Air Force officer who served with the99th Fighter Squadron and332nd Fighter Group. He served in the Korean War at theBattle of Chosin Reservoir, and he retired in 1971 as a Major in the Air Force and a Squadron Commander.[2][1]
Kelly was born inHigh Point, North Carolina and at an early age his family moved toLynchburg, Virginia.[1][3]
In 1946 Kelly entered the Army Air Forces and he was assigned to the99th Fighter Squadron and332nd Fighter Group. Kelly started as aTechnical Sergeant and eventually earned a commission atLackland AFB in 1955, in San Antonio as aFirst Lieutenant. By the time he retired after 28 years in the Air Force Kelly was a Major. He qualified as an instructor for theAT-6 andT-33. He also became a Squadron Commander.[2]
In the Korean War, Kelly earned medals for evacuating wounded Marines at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.[2]
In 1959, he married a single mother (Sally) and became a stepfather for her daughter and later had a son, Thomas Edward Kelly.[3][1] He held many positions in his chosen hometown, San Antonio, Texas: VC San Antonio Planning Commission,Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Community Workers Council of San Antonio, and he was a trustee on the Our Lady of the Lake University Trustee Board.[3]
He was buried with honors atFort Sam Houston National Cemetery January 10, 2019.[2]
