Francis Kelly (Medal of Honor)

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Francis Kelly
5 July 1860 – 19 May 1938
Watertender Francis Kelly
Place of birth	Boston, Massachusetts
Place of death	Glasgow, Scotland
Allegiance	United States Navy
Rank	Chief Machinist's Mate
Unit	USS Merrimac
Awards	Medal of Honor

Francis Kelly (5 July 1860 – 19 May 1938) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor — for his actions in the Spanish-American War.

Francis Kelly enlisted in the US Navy from his birth state, Massachusetts, and served as a Watertender in the collier Merrimac during the Spanish-American War. Kelly was one of eight volunteer crew members when Rear Admiral William T. Sampson ordered Merrimac sunk to block the entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba. On the night of 2-3 June 1898, during the attempt to execute this mission, Merrimac's steering gear was disabled by enemy gunfire, and she sank without obstructing navigation. Her crewmen were rescued by the Spanish and made prisoners-of-war. After the Battle of Santiago de Cuba destroyed the Spanish fleet a month later, Kelly and his shipmates were released. For his actions during this operation, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Watertender Kelly's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, KELLY displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

Francis Kelly remained in the Navy after the Spanish-American War, ultimately obtaining the rank of Chief Machinist's Mate. He is buried at Sandymount Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland.