Jack William Kelso-Fresno, CA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 36° 37.794 W 119° 47.406
11S E 250521 N 4057443
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient for action in Korea on October 2, 1952. He was killed in action. He is buried in Washington Colony Cemetery, Fresno, CA in Block 2.
Waymark Code: WMXEVE
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 01/03/2018
Views: 2
He was born on January 23, 1934 in Madera, CA and died on October 2, 1952 in South Korea. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *KELSO, JACK WILLIAM
• Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).
• Place and date: Korea, 2 October 1952.
• Entered service at: Caruthers, CA
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman of Company I, in action against enemy aggressor forces. When both the platoon commander and the platoon sergeant became casualties during the defense of a vital outpost against a numerically superior enemy force attacking at night under cover of intense small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire, Pfc. Kelso bravely exposed himself to the hail of enemy fire in a determined effort to reorganize the unit and to repel the onrushing attackers. Forced to seek cover, along with 4 other marines, in a nearby bunker which immediately came under attack, he unhesitatingly picked up an enemy grenade which landed in the shelter, rushed out into the open and hurled it back at the enemy. Although painfully wounded when the grenade exploded as it left his hand, and again forced to seek the protection of the bunker when the hostile fire became more intensified Pfc. Kelso refused to remain in his position of comparative safety and moved out into the fire-swept area to return the enemy fire, thereby permitting the pinned-down marines in the bunker to escape. Mortally wounded while providing covering fire for his comrades, Pfc. Kelso, by his valiant fighting spirit, aggressive determination, and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of others, served to inspire all who observed him. His heroic actions sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Armed Service: Marines
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