John J. Kelly

John Joseph Kelly was a United States Marine who became one of the nation's most distinguished heroes during World War I. He is most notable for being awarded both the Army and Navy Medals of Honor for a single, extraordinary act of bravery on October 13, 1918, during the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge in France. At the time of his death, he was the last surviving of only 19 individuals to receive two Medals of Honor.

Serving as a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kelly's exceptional valor on the battlefield also earned him numerous other high decorations. In addition to his two Medals of Honor, he was awarded several Silver Stars and Purple Hearts for his combat service, signifying repeated acts of gallantry and sacrifice under fire.

Kelly was also widely decorated by foreign allied nations for his wartime service. His international honors included the French Médaille militaire and Croix de Guerre, the Italian Croce al Merito di Guerra, and the Montenegrin Silver Medal for Bravery, cementing his legacy as a legendary combat Marine of the First World War.