Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Charles E. (Commando) Kelly

"The One Man Army"

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. Charles E. (Commando) Kelly Marker

Inscription. Corporal Charles E. Kelly (born September 23, 1920, Pittsburgh, PA) Company L, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division "Texas Division", was the first man to be decorated with the Congreessional Medal of Honor on the European continent in World War II. On September 13, 1943, he defended an ammunition storehouse attacked by overwhelming Nazi forces. He delivered continuous, effective automatic fire from several weapons until out of ammunition. At this critical point, with the enemy threatening to overrun his position, Corporal Kelly picked up 60mm mortar shells, pulled the safety pins, and used the mortar shells as grenades. He then volunteered to hold the ammunition store house by himself until the remainder of his unit could withdraw. Firing almost every weapon in the arsenal including rocket launchers, he successfully covered the withdrawal of his unit, saving many lives. His feats of valor were so remarkable that the War Department needed to do tests to confirm that his heroism was even possible. He was nicknamed "Commando Kelly" and "The One Man Army". After the war, he struggled from what is now known as PTSD. He endured alcohol abuse, difficulty in relationships, difficulty holding a job, and depression. He died on January 11, 1985, in Pittsburgh, PA. This is dedicated to the millions of soldiers in all wars who served in combat and returned home suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), formerly called "Shell Shocked" or "Battle Fatigue".

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is September 13, 1943.

Location. 31° 40.664′ N, 98° 59.501′ W. Memorial is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is at the intersection of Crockett Drive and Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north on Crockett Drive. The marker is located

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at the northwest section of the Camp Bowie Memorial Park. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 2710 Crockett Dr, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Camp Bowie (here, next to this marker); The Lost Battalion (Java) (here, next to this marker); World War I Memorial (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Central Texas Veterans' Memorial (a few steps from this marker); World War I (a few steps from this marker); Colonel Jack T. Bradley (a few steps from this marker); Gulf War (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Also see . . . Charles E. Kelly (soldier).

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. Charles E. (Commando) Kelly Marker

The marker is the 2nd marker from the left side.

Wikipedia

Charles E. Kelly (September 23, 1920 – January 11, 1985) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration for valor—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II. Kelly was the third enlisted man to be decorated with the Medal of Honor for action on the European continent, after S/Sgt Maynard H Smith 306th Bomb Group (St Nazaire and Brest May 1, 1943) and Flight Officer (a temporary, non-commissioned warrant rank) John C "Red" Morgan 92nd Bomb Group, Hanover, July 28, 1943.

(Submitted on August 15, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 454 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.