June 14, 1920 (Norwalk, CT) – May 29, 1944; 23 years old
Engaged to Jean Elizabeth Farnsworth (1922-2005) of Norwalk
Last local address: 20 Grandview Avenue, Norwalk
Enlisted February 17, 1942
Service number: O-1296041
Unit: 1st Armored Division, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment
Born to Edward J. Sr. [State Senator 1943-1945; Mayor of Norwalk 1945-1947; Common Council for 12 years] (1882-1960) and Margaret Millard Kelley (1889-1982). One sister, Mary L. Kelley (1917-1965). One brother, Edward Jr. (1923-2013).
Awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
Saint Anselm College, via e-mail on 2/9/2021.
From the Connecticut Military Portrait Collection, Connecticut State Library, Identifier: PG570; used with permission
From The Norwalk Hour June 19, 1944
State Senator and Mrs. Edward J. Kelley of 22 Grandview Avenue received a telegram this morning from the War Department announcing that their elder son, First Lieutenant Harry Millard Kelley, has been killed in action in Italy. Further details are awaited. Lieutenant Kelley entered the Army in February 1942 after receiving his B.A. degree at St. Anselm’s College. He went to Fort McLellan, Alabama, and then was sent to Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He received his commission in October 1942.
From The Norwalk Hour June 22, 1944
Lieutenant Harry Millard Kelley, U.S. Army, son of State Senator and Mrs. Edward J. Kelley of 22 Grandview Avenue, was killed in action in Italy on May 29. Lieutenant Kelley was a graduate of St. Mary’s Parochial School He graduated from Norwalk High School in the Class of 1938 and received a B.A. degree from St. Anselm’s College, Manchester, New Hampshire in 1942. A short time later he entered the Army and received his basic training at Fort McLellan, Alabama, He attended Officers Training School at Fort Benning, Georgia, and after getting his commission, was assigned to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. He went overseas in November 1943. Besides his parents, Lieutenant Kelley is survived by a brother, Edward, who is in the Army Specialized Training Corps at Columbia Dental School, and a sister, Mary Louise Kelley, a teacher at the Center Junior High School.
Lt Kelley is interred at Sicily-Rome Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy; Plot C, Row 2, Grave 16. Photo provided by Luca Tamberlani, Interpretive Guide, Sicily-Rome American Cemetery.
END
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