Keyser in Mineral County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The Ed Kelley Memorial Plaza
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 1, 2026
1. The Ed Kelley Memorial Plaza Marker
This Memorial is to pay tribute to Keyser’s Medal of Honor recipient Jonah Edward Kelley. Born and raised in this area, Ed Kelley represented the best of West Virginia–character, values, hard work and sheer determination to do what’s right, regardless of the obstacles. Ed Kelley walked these grounds, played on the ball fields around Keyser, and graduated from the school directly in front of you, Keyser High School, in 1941.
In 1998, a new Keyser High School opened south of town, leaving this building vacant. The following year, the School was purchased and renovated by Grand Central Business Center. Governor Underwood was the Key Speaker at the grand opening of the new business center, and from that event sprang the dedication to place a permanent memorial in honor of Ed Kelley on grounds of the school where Ed Kelley spent his most formative years.
Eugene Newhouse, a KHS graduate and employee of Grand Central Business Center, spoke at the grand opening, and articulated a vision for a permanent memorial. While he had heard many people around town speak of a memorial for years, Eugene challenged the community to
this page online
Steven began to work closely with Don Heare of Keyser’s American Legion Post 41. Under Don Heare’s guidance, various memorial proposals were identified, ideas for fundraising were considered and historical research was initiated. Steven was instrumental in raising over $8,000 for the Memorial, and designing a prototype of the Memorial before you today. Most importantly, Steven spent numerous hours researching the historical accuracy of Ed Kelley’s exploits, especially as to what spurred General Eisenhower to make the statement, “Single-handedly, Ed Kelley shortened the War in Europe by two months.”
We invite you to take time to read Ed Kelley’s heroic story. He was a significant player in the most monumental event of the 20th
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 1, 2026
2. The Ed Kelley Memorial Plaza Marker
World War II Events of 1938 -1944
1938 Hitler annexes Austria, occupies Czechoslovakia
1939 Germans Blitzkrieg of Poland, Russia invades Finland
1940 Germany seizes, Denmark, Norway, France, Balkans
1941 Japan bombs Pearl Harbor Germany invades Russia
1942 Germany takes on Eastern Europe all the way to Stalingrad
1943 Heavy fighting in North Africa; Allies invade Sicily and Italy
1944 General Eisenhower is made Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force, and is given the following task:
“You will enter the Continent of Europe and undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces.”
(Note the simple, straightforward language)
In June 1944, Germany maintained a strangle hold on most of Europe, controlling the area shown. The USA and its Allies mounted the largest invasion force the world has ever seen (2,876,000 men), assembling it along the southern coast of England. The world watched as the Allies prepared to bring all the hopes and power of free people the world over to one point – one stretch of sandy beaches- at one moment in time. The event was truly one of historic and heroic proportions.
Weather, tides, moonlight for airborne drops – all played a role in determining which day would become “D-Day” – the most famous invasion date in history. Weather caused a delay on 5 June, but shortly before midnight that same evening, Eisenhower gave the nod, and the first Airborne units took off for their scheduled assaults on the Normandy Coast between 0100 and 0200 on June 6, 1944.
Hollywood has captured the brilliant Allied diversions and the subsequent successful invasion of Normandy, on June 6, 1944 in movies such as “The Longest Day” and “Saving Private Ryan”
D-Day June 6, 1944
You will enter the Continent of Europe and ...undertake operations aimed at the heart of Germany and the destruction of her armed forces.
Mission statement to General Eisenhower
The Germans had years to prepare for the coming invasion, so people knew it would be bloody – the main questions were where and when it would land. The obvious place to land a large invasion force on mainland Europe was Calais, France, where the English Channel is the most narrow. In fact, Calais was the focal point for an enormous allied diversion effort, one that confused the Germans and delayed their deploying reserves in time to defeat the real invasion. Other obvious ports, such as Le Havre and Cherbourg, France had become heavily defended German fortresses. The stage was set for the most dramatic invasion in history, the D-Day invasion on the Normandy Coast.
One town, Bedford, Virginia, (about the size of Keyser), lost 21 of 35 men sent into battle that day with the 29th Infantry Division. On June 6, 2001, the National D-Day Memorial was opened at Bedford, with four symmetrically placed chords dividing the memorial plaza into five sections, indicating the five beaches invaded at Normandy. Those chords come together at water's edge, signifying planning, sacrifice, and decisive action at a given moment in time. While it is important for free people to act decisively as as group, it is also important for individuals to act decisively when duty calls.
Ed Kelley answered with action “above and beyond” the call of duty.
Key Terrain December 1944
Two Armies, two objectives, one piece of ground... Kesternich
The Allied Army
While Berlin was the political heart of Germany, the Ruhr Industrial Valley – with its coal mines, blast furnaces, and factories – was the main objective to eliminate Germany’s war machine. Once the Allies had a foothold at Normandy, the focus became the Ruhr Valley and knocking out the German industrial base. The Allied main attack would move in the north through France, Belgium and Luxembourg, with secondary attacks in the middle and south of Europe.
By mid-December 1944, US Forces had advanced through France, Belgium and Luxembourg, and had just entered Germany. Germany’s Roer River was the last major natural obstacle before striking the main objective – the Ruhr Valley. Yet, it was too dangerous for American troops to cross the Roer until they destroyed or controlled the Schwammenauel Dam – it controlled water flow between them and their objective. From Generals Eisenhower and Bradley to company commanders and sergeants, US Forces knew that to proceed without control would risk thousands of lives and key supply line should the Germans decide to blow the dam or release flood waters. Simply put, the dam was essential to US success in reaching our number one objective.
Air raids in early December 1944 proved unsuccessful, thereby making a ground assault on that dam through the Monshau Corridor necessary. On the key high ground of the Monshau Corridor – ground from which the entire region could be observed and fired upon – was the town of Kesternich. The American 78th Division began their assault on Kesternich on December 13, 1944, just three days before the Germans were to launch their biggest offensive since the assault by Allied Forces at Normandy on D-Day.
The German Army
Official History of the 78th Division
The Germans needed Kesternich, and they sent an overwhelming force to take it.
Meanwhile, the Germans had been planning their own “Ardennes Offensive”, an attack to the English Channel, splitting the Allied Forces in two. Their intent was to cut Allied supply lines, seize fuel stocks and material, and annihilate Allied Forces to the north of their salient. Unknown to US Forces, the town of Kesternich was adjacent to the German main supply route in the north for the Ardennes Offensive. Also unknown to the Allies, the German attack was set for December 16, 1944.
For two opposing Armies, for two entirely different reasons. one piece of ground – Kesternich – was key terrain!
Note
Do not be confused by similar names and spellings. For example, Brigadier General Hoge (Combat Command B, 9th Armored Division) and General Hodge (12th Army Group Commander) are two different American generals. The Roer and Ruhr Rivers are two close, but different, rivers in Germany. Please take your time in locating and noting these differences, as it will make your understanding of what Ed Kelley did come to life. What Kelley did was, in fact, heroic – he was the only soldier in the 78th Division to earn the Medal of Honor in World War II. Ed Kelley lived here in Keyser, he studied in the school in front of you, and he walked where you’re standing right now. Take the time to understand the importance of what one person, like Ed Kelley, or a group of people, like the men of the 78th Division can do. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never think that a small group of committed individuals cannot change the world; it is the only thing that ever has.”
The First Battle of Kesternich December 13–16, 1944
Ghostly, almost supernatural. Kesternich was beginning to acquire legend.. There was no hope, just death lurking in every shadow, every hollow, every house.
Official History of the 78th Division
While Kesternich was key terrain to US Forces on their march to the Schwammenauel Dam, it was even more key to the Germans for strategic reasons (not yet known to the Americans in mid-December 1944). As American Forces tried valiantly to take Kesternich, they met head on with elements of four German Divisions marching into the Ardennes Forest, in what was to become known as “The Bulge”.
Not only had the Germans “sowed mines like grain” around Kesternich, but fresh snow completely hid the mines from view. The snow also worked to the German defenders’ advantage by silhouetting anything that moved. To make the assault more difficult, Kesternich stuck out “like a big neck” into enemy lines, making it open to German artillery fire from three sides. As bad as the initial scenario appeared, things could and would get worse.
The 78th opened its assault on Kesternich on December 13th. The entire town shook as German artillery pounded the 78th from three sides. Fighting through mine fields, barbed wire, and machine gun fire, the 78th would inch forward, but then be repelled. All day the battle raged, but the German line held. As darkness closed on the 13th, US soldiers took a few houses at the edge of town, but had to withdraw before nightfall.
On the 14th, the weather stayed bad, and the situation grew grim as US casualties mounted. At one point, the 10th Panzer Division captured a US Battalion Commander and most of his men. Another Battalion Commander and his Executive Officer were killed in Kesternich. Later, a US Captain and 56 of his men were captured and “disappeared into Germany.” The Germans used everything they had – artillery, mortars, machine guns, snipers, mines and booby traps – to stop the advancing Americans. The men in Kesternich on December 14th were in “one of the toughest spots of the war.”
The 78th called for “all supporting artillery” and eight US battalions responded. This US counter fire quieted the German artillery, but brought screams from enemy wounded – the Germans were now hurting also. Kesternich became a killing zone for all that ventured in. Both sides suffered enormous losses, as the wounded often had to be left to freeze to death in the bitter cold. By evening, Kesternich had begun to acquire a legendary status. There was no hope. “just death lurking in every shadow, every hollow, every house.”
On December 15th, the 78th was ordered to “move through the town”, not to take it building by building. This exposed numerous US soldiers to point blank confrontations, being machine –gunned from the rear, and hand-to-hand combat and a mixing of the “front lines” throughout the town. Doing as ordered, the 78th fought through the town, only to encounter something that made the E Company Commander, “shake his head and look again.” He shuttered when he saw “an endless line of German infantry” with tanks and self-propelled guns. He then understood why Kesternich was being held “at all costs” – he was eye to eye with the lead elements to Hitler’s largest offensive since the US Forces stepped foot on European soil. German Division after German Division were marching straight towards him and “The Battle of the Bulge.”
When the Germans launched the Battle of the Bulge the following day, Bradley ordered the 78th to halt its drive on the Schwammenauel Dam, and to take the defensive. The 78th had the distinction of holding the line in the face of Hitler’s last major offensive, and against Germany’s best soldiers. The 78th fought to a stalemate, thus making Kesternich the “northern shoulder of the Bulge.” The 78th held this defensive line from 17 December 1944 until January 30, 1945 making Kesternich the first point of contact when the US again took the initiative.
The Battle of the Bulge
The largest battle in US history
December 16, 1944 – January 25, 1945
Hitler had decided to make one final attempt for victory, using his best SS troops – the ones with the highest moral – to cut the Allied forces in two. He chose the Ardennes Forest, knowing US Forces would not expect an attack there. With strict secrecy, he massed his forces south of Monshau. He planned airborne drops, a massive armored assault, and Special Forces attacks by SS troops using American uniforms and equipment to get through US lines. He then waited for bad weather to provide cover from Allied air attacks. The snow that plagued US Forces in the Monshau Corridor was the catalyst for the German assault.
On December 16th the great German counter offensive – Hitler’s last bid for victory – began. Designed to cut through to Antwerp, the Germans made a significant salient into Allied lines. Confusion gripped the Allies, as Bradley thought it a spoiling attack to forestall Patton’s drive to the South. Eisenhower however, saw it for what it was, and began moving Armored Divisions to stop it. The German airdrop was not effective militarily, but it sent psychological shock waves across the Allied front. Extra security measures were taken as far west as Paris.
Recognizing the enormous threat, on December 17th Eisenhower committed his theater reserve, the 101st Airborne Division, to hold vital road centers. The 101st was sent to Bastogne, where it was quickly surrounded by the German salient. In one of the most dramatic moments of the War, the German Commander asked the 101st Division Commander, Brig. Gen. A. C. McAuliffe, to surrender. McAuliffe, exemplifying the American fighting spirit, answered with a one-word response: “NUTS!”
On December 18th Bradley ordered Patton to suspend the Saar offensive and move north to help stop the “Bulge” and to relieve the 101st. Patton moved into position, and began his drive to relieve Bastogne on December 22nd. Having intercepted US radio messages, the Germans were ready for the assault and Patton made little progress. The weather began to clear on December 23rd (following Patton’s famous request of his Chaplain for prayer for good weather) allowing for aerial resupply of Bastogne. Meanwhile, German advances had slowed due to lack of fuel, and traffic jams. On December 26th the US 2nd Armored Division crushed the 2nd Panzer Division, and Patton broke through to relieve the 101st at Bastogne. Between December 16th and January 3rd, the US suffered 41,315 casualties.
By January 3rd, 1945, the German salient had reached its zenith. US Forces began to retake ground they had lost, but it was to be real estate paid for in blood. A long-standing order by Hitler remained in effect forbidding any voluntary withdrawal. Hardened to winter warfare on the Russian front, the Germans waged a fighting retreat – taking Allied casualties for every foot of ground. Allies fought the entire month of January 1945 to restore the front to where it had been on December 16th, 1944. From January 3, 1945 to March 28, 1945 the US suffered another 39,672 casualties. The Battle of the Bulge had become the largest battle in US history – it was now time to turn the tables on the Germans.
Regaining the Initiative
The Rhineland Campaign, January 1945 If I were asked what campaign in the war brought me the greatest professional pride, I would point unhesitatingly to this one. General Omar Bradley, Commander, 12th Army Group.
The 78th Division stayed resilient during the Battle of the Bulge, holding strong at the northern shoulder of the German salient. During January 1945, the Allies stopped the German offensive, and drove them back behind the "Siegfried Line." Once again, the Allies began thinking of taking the offensive into the German heartland - it was time to pursue the Rhineland Campaign with its main target, controlling the Schwammenauel Dam.
The first obstacle in regaining the initiative was to finish taking Kesternich - still key terrain to US objectives. This area was filled with German infantry and anti-tank bunkers, and the Germans had had an extra month to mine and bobby trap the town. This time, the town had to be taken house-by-house, floor-by-floor, and even room-by-room. There was a large snowfall the day the orders were given, January 28th. The offensive was to resume on the 30th with the 310th and 311th on the attack, the 309th in reserve.
As the attack began, the 310th got an unintentional lucky break as they moved on the town next to Kesternich. Usually, the US used a 30-minute artillery preparation before an infantry assault. That day, Division Commander General Parker, cut the ammunition supply to build a reserve for the coming offensive, leaving only enough for a 5-minute prep fire. The Germans remained hunkered down in their pillboxes waiting for the remaining fire, and before they knew it, men of the 310th surrounded them.
The 311th Regiment, SSG Kelley's unit was not so fortunate in Kesternich. An order from the Fuhrer propelled the legend of this town that had already become synonymous with death:
"Hold Kesternich at all costs."
Adolph Hitler
The Rifle with Helmet And Dog Tags were the mark of a fallen soldier. The rifle was stuck in the ground to help those who came after to find and properly identify and handle the remains. This symbol became known the world over as a way to honor, and pay respect to someone who had given the ultimate sacrifice.
Boyce-Houser American Legion Post 41 honors the following Keyser High School students and teacher who gave their lives for their country during World War II. (December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946).
Private 1st Class Woodrow W. Barr • Private 1st Class Robert E. Barrick • Ensign Elden F. Bowers - Teacher • Private 1st Class Walter L. Byford • 2nd Lieutenant Ralph S. Coffman • Technician 3rd Grade Donald R. Compton • Staff Sergeant Leroy W. Davis • Fireman 3rd Class Claude D. Dawson • Technical Sergeant Orlando R. Fazenbaker • Sergeant James E. Fortney • Private Raymond L. Green • Private Roy H. Hanlin Jr. • Private 1st Class Charles L. Holloway • Staff Sergeant Charles L. Johnson • Staff Sergeant Jonah E. Kelley • Private Gail K. Kephart • Seaman 1st Class Bernard D. Kimmell • 1st Lieutenant Wiliam F. Kuykendall • Aviation Cadet William R. Layman • Technician 5th Grade Benjamin F. Leary • Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Raymond L. Leary • Private 1st Class Floyd M. Lynch • Corporal Donald D. McKee • Radioman 3rd Class Antonio J. Mercuri • Private Kenneth R. Michael • Private 1st Class Estin G. Miller • Private Edgar A. Myers • Private 1st Class Walter I. Naedele • Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class John C. North • 1st Lieutenant John R. Offutt • Technician 4th Grade James W. Quinn • Corporal William E. Shank • Staff Sergeant Lawrence Shobe • Private 1st Class Richard L. Smith • Corporal Robert S. Smith • Private 1st Class Richard Spencer • Corporal Robert M. Stiteler • Private Joseph C. Weaver • Sergeant Rex Wertman • Ensign Joseph S. White • Private 1st Class Gene W. Wolford
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is January 30, 1945.
Location. 39° 26.382′ N, 78° 58.609′ W. Marker is in Keyser, West Virginia, in Mineral County. It is at the intersection of East Piedmont Street and North Davis Street, on the right when traveling south on East Piedmont Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 31 E Piedmont St, Keyser WV 26726, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jonah Edward Kelley (a few steps from this marker); Former Keyser High School (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Medal of Honor (a few steps from this marker); Armstrong Mansion (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Keyser.
Other markers no longer nearby. Kelley Memorial Plaza (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); World War II (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); D-Day (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Key Terrain (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Battle of the Bulge (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The First Battle of Kesternich (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Regaining the Initiative (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Medal of Honor (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Battle for Kesternich (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Aftermath of Kesternich / Germans Retreat (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Bridge at Remagen (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named The Bridge at Remagen (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
