Lieutenant Colonel Robert D. Kelley

Lieutenant Colonel Robert D. Kelley

Robert D. Kelley was destined to become a pilot. In 1964, with -72F below zero field artillery exercises in Alaska, a 9.2 earthquake, and coming from a family rich with aviation history, he decided it was “time to fly”. 

 

Bob was born in Erie on January 14, 1939, to John J. Kelley and Helen Kudlak Kelley. He graduated from Cathedral Prep in 1956, Gannon College in 1961 with a BA in Chemistry, Bob was commissioned in the United States Army after graduating from Gannon. He completed fixed wing training in 1965 and finished second in his class. He then completed helicopter training in 1966 at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He served two tours in Vietnam as an Army Aviator. During his first tour in Vietnam in 1967, with the 118th “Thunderbirds”, he was shot down and was taken off flight status for a year because of his injuries. He was hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center for five months. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions at Soui Da, Republic of Vietnam. The citation states:

 

“For heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain Kelley distinguished himself while participating in a combat assault near Soui Da, Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. The flight descended on final approach through a withering barrage of Viet Cong automatic weapons fire. As he landed earthshaking explosions shattered the landing zone while enemy small arms fire raked the area. The initial blast enveloped his ship and debris riddled it with shrapnel. He received serious shrapnel wounds in both legs and fought to control the severely damage aircraft. His aircraft was literally blown into the air and the controls were so badly damaged that it could not be landed immediately. Despite his painful wounds, he assisted in flying the extensively damaged aircraft. A complete hydraulic failure was experienced shortly after the ship became airborne. With the controls of the aircraft rapidly becoming more and more difficult to manipulate, a successful forced landing was made in an open field. Just as the ship was landed the cyclic control mechanism failed completely. His courage and determination in face of the imminent disaster, while suffering from painful wounds, was a tremendous inspiration to all who participated in the assault. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”

 

During his second tour in 1971, Bob was the Commander of the 128th Assault Helicopter Company. The unit was comprised of 450 officers and men with 30 helicopters and eight gunships. His military medals include the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with sixteen Oak Leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, and several Vietnam service medals.

 

Bob retired from the Army in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel and worked as a contractor for the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Reconnaissance Office. He worked on the future design of optics and target signatures for future aircraft and space platforms. He flew both aircraft and helicopters to complete these missions. Bob Kelley currently lives in Vienna, Virginia with his wife Pamela Jean Severance of Erie whom he married on June 30, 1962. They have three sons Scott, Sean and Patrick who live in Northern Virginia, and five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.