Robert C. Kelly
Captain, U.S. Army

On 17 April 1945, Captain Robert C. Kelly was serving with the 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

On that day, CPT Kelly’s unit was in action against German forces near Carrara, Italy, during the Po Valley Campaign in the heart of northern Italy. The 349th Infantry Regiment was in an assault to capture Monterumici, Italy and it achieved its mission that day. CPT Kelly’s outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Robert C. Kelly (0-1319959), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 April 1945. Captain Kelly's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 80 (1945)

Burial

Captain Robert C. Kelly is buried at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial in Florence, Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana, Italy, in Plot G, Row 3, Grave 21.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56364575/robert-c-kelly