Thomas J. Kelly (Medal of Honor)

Thomas James Kelly (May 7, 1929 – May 11, 2011) was a United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.

Born in Brighton, Massachusetts, Kelly served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army's Company A, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Division. On May 12, 1969, near Ap Dong, Republic of Vietnam, his company was attacked by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Kelly single-handedly held off the enemy, enabling his unit to reorganize and ultimately repulse the assault.

Kelly distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action. When the lead platoon of his company was heavily engaged and sustained several casualties, Kelly disregarded his own safety to move forward to the point of heaviest contact. He silenced an enemy machine gun that was inflicting heavy casualties on his unit. He then led a bayonet charge against the enemy, killing several enemy soldiers. When his company was ordered to withdraw, Kelly voluntarily remained behind to cover the withdrawal, engaging the enemy in close combat until all of his comrades had safely withdrawn.

For his actions, Kelly was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 15, 1971.

After retiring from the Army as a Sergeant Major, Kelly became a decorated police officer in Boston, Massachusetts. He dedicated his life to public service. He died in Boston in 2011 and is buried at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts.