James Johnson Kelly
March 29, 1928 – December 29, 2018
Unit: 99th Fighter Squadron and 332nd Fighter Group
Maj. James Johnson Kelly began his career in 1946 with the 99th Fighter Squadron and 332nd Fighter Group. He served in the Korean War at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, and he retired in 1971 as a Major in the Air Force and a Squadron Commander.
in 1946 Kelly entered the Army Air Forces and he was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron and 332nd Fighter Group. Kelly started as a Technical Sergeant and eventually earned a commission at Lackland AFB in 1955, in San Antonio as a First Lieutenant. By the time he retired after 28 years in the Air Force Kelly was a Major. He qualified as an instructor for the AT-6 and T-33. He also became a Squadron Commander.
In the Korean War, Kelly earned medals for evacuating wounded Marines at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
He was buried with honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery January 10, 2019
Kelly was born in High Point North Caroline and at an early age his family moved to Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1969, he married a single mother (Sally) and became a stepfather for her daughter and son. 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.
Sources:
MilitaryHistory.com
Union Square Times
