Thomas Kelly

Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Sergeant First Class Thomas Kelly (Unknown - 17 December 1920) was a U.S. Army soldier who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

Thomas Kelly was born in Ireland sometime prior to 1898 and after immigrating to the United States, entered the U.S. Army from New York City. He was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War with Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry where he received the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company H, 21st U.S. Infantry

Place and date: Santiago, Cuba, 1 July 1898

Citation: Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and while under heavy fire from the enemy.

Death and Burial

Sergeant First Class Thomas Kelly died on 17 December 1920 and is buried at Plattsburg Barracks Post Cemetery in Plattsburgh, NY.