Medal of Honor

Pfc Kelso's Medal of Honor citation reads:

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

for service as set forth in the following

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, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 2 October 1952. 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, Private 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 four other Marines, in a near-by 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, Private 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, Private 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 United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

/S/ DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

Silver Star citation

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Jack William Kelso (MCSN: 1190839), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 13 to 15 August 1952. With the company engaged in supporting another company during the defense of a vitally important hill position far forward of the main line of resistance, Private Kelso carried out approximately twenty trips over hazardous terrain in the face of intense enemy mortar and artillery fire to bring urgently needed ammunition and supplies to the company and assisted casualties back on return trips. Despite the intense head and heavy enemy fire, he refused to be relieved and continued his courageous actions until he collapsed and was evacuated. By his resourceful initiative, marked fortitude and unyielding devotion to duty, Private Kelso served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.^[3]