PVT Edgar L. Kelley

Today we honor and remember PVT Edgar L. Kelley of the 101st Airborne Division, who was killed in The Battle of the Bulge

Source: ww2.airborne.us

Together with the 11th Armored Division, the WWII Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division were ordered to attack and capture the towns of Bertogne and Compogne. Ultimately, the 101st was to take its long-standing objective, Noville.

On January 12, preparations were made for the attack, in which the 101st Division’s front was to be narrowed and the available reserves had to be increased. The attack was to jump off at 0830 hrs. on January 13, 1945. The 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment was the divisional reserve during the attack.

PVT Edgar L. Kelley of Able Company, 1st Battalion, 501st PIR, was killed in action on January 12, 1945. PVT Kelly shared a foxhole with the medic TEC5 Leon Jedziniak. During a German mortar barrage, Jedziniak was called upon to go to the aid of his wounded comrades. When he returned to his foxhole, he learned it had taken a direct hit from the enemy’s mortar barrage that had killed Kelley.

Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅

Born in Salamanca, Cattaraugus County, New York, on May 29, 1915, PVT Edgar Kelley died at the age of 29. He left behind his wife, Mrs. Violet M. Kelley, and a little daughter, Patricia Marie, just one-year-old.

PVT Kelley was first buried in the Temporary American Military Cemetery Grand Failly, France, at Section F, Row 2, Grave 50. He now rests eternally at the Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota. PVT Kelley was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.

Lest we forget! 🇺🇸

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Source: Rendezvous with Destiny by Rapport and Norwood (p. 646)