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First Name: Frederick

Last Name: Kellam

Birthplace: USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Middle Name: Caesar Augustus



Date of Birth: 27 December 1914

Date of Death: 06 June 1944

Rank: Major

Years Served:
Frederick Caesar Augustus Kellam

   
Engagements:
•  World War II (1941 - 1945)

Biography:

Frederick Caesar Augustus Kellam
Major, U. S. Army
World War II

Frederick Caesar Augustus Kellam was born on 27 December 1914. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, and graduated with the Class of 1936.

Military Service

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Major Fred Kellam was Commander of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division. He was known to his troops as "Jack of Diamonds." The 505th PIR crossed the Merderet River using the La Fiere Bridge during the invasion. Major Kellam died that day while trying to hold off the German Army in defense of the bridge. The American paratroopers successfully held off the German Army for three days. That bridge is now named the "Kellam Bridge" in honor of Major Kellam.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart

Honors

The La Fiere Bridge is now named the "Kellam Bridge" in honor of Major Kellam.

The defense of the bridge is the subject of a 2011 movie titled "No Better Place to Die." The role of Major Kellam is played by actor Joshua Biton.

Death and Burial

Major Frederick Caesar Augustus Kellam was killed in action on 6 June 1944. His body was returned to the U.S. and was interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Bexar County, TX, in Section N, Site 68, on 28 May 1948.

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Honoree ID: 2153   Created by: MHOH

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