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Myrtle Beach Earle W. Kelly Lieutenant Colonel Earle W. "Kel" Kelly, 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, 8 October, 2010. Lt Col. Kelly was born in Malone, NY on 18 November, 1917, the son of Ernest and Marion Kelly. He completed high school at Franklin Academy in Malone and in 1936, he entered Norwich University. During his senior year at Norwich, he was captain of the football team and was named Vermont All-State end; He was also a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. On 10 June 1940, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Norwich and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant Calvary . Lt. Col. Kelly's first active duty assignment was as troop officer (Horse Cavalry) with the 3rd US Cavalry at Ft. Ethan Allan, Vt. and Ft. Meyer, Va. His first command position was at Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga., where he was medium tank Company Commander with the 3rd Armored Regiment, 10th Armored Division. In September 1942, he was assigned to his alma mater as assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics. While at Norwich, he served as an ROTC instructor for the junior and senior classes. He was also the stable officer for 120 horses and was responsible for conducting mounted drill and riding classes to the cadets. He entered pilot training in July 1943 and graduated as a B-24 Liberator Bomber pilot in January of 1944. He flew his plane and crew to Manduria, Italy and began his flying career as a combat pilot with the 723rd Sqdn, 450 Bomb Group (H), 15th Air Force. On 10 September 1944, while flying his 13th mission to Vienna, Austria, he was shot down from 25,000 feet by intense and accurate flak. After parachuting to the ground, he was imprisoned in Budapest, Hungry, and later was transported by boxcar to Stalag Luft III., Sagan, Germany where he lived in Center Camp, Block 52. On January 25, 1945, he made a week long forced march in sub zero conditions to Spremburg Germany, then by rail and boxcar to Stalag Luft VII A in Mooseburg, Germany. He served as Compound Adjutant until being liberated be Patton's 14th Armored Division on April 29, 1945. After the wars end, Lt. Col. Kelly continued his Air Force career flying over 5000 hours in 14 different types of aircraft. His assignments included: Air Command and General Staff School at Maxwell Field, Al.; Base Flight Squadron Commander, Randolph Field TX; Commander 1727 Air Transport Squadron ( Special Air Evac) Warner-Robins AFB, Macon, GA; Air OPS Officer for the 1603rd Air Transport Wing, MATS, Atlantic Division in Tripoli, Libya; Commander, 3rd Transport Group (Heavy) at Brookley AFB, Mobile, AL flying the C-124 Globemaster. He also served as Air OPNS Officer, J3 Division HQ, United Nations Command in Seoul Korea. Lt. Col. Kelly concluded his distinguished Air Force career at Stewart AFB, NY with the Air Defense Command Plans and Operations. He retired from active duty in August, 1966. His awards and decorations include: Purple Heart, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation w/ oak leaf cluster, Prisoner of War Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal w/ 3 bronze stars, Victory Medal WWII, National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 bronze star, Korean Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award w/ 5 bronze oak leaf clusters. After leaving the Air Force, Lt. Col. Kelly returned to the school he loved,-Norwich University, where he served as Assistant Registrar and Director of Freshman Guidance. In 1967, he became the Director of Alumni activities; a position he held for 10 years, before retiring in 1977. After retiring to the Myrtle Beach area in 1984, Lt. Col Kelly kept active by involvement in various community activities and organizations, including: Chicora Rotary of Myrtle Beach (he was past president of Northfield, VT Rotary), Elliot White Springs Flight 77 Chapter of Daedalians. He was a life member of the following organizations: American Legion Post 0503, Calabash, NC, VFW Post 10420, Murrells Inlet, SC; American Ex-Prisoners of War, Military Order of Purple Heart and the Fifteenth Air Force Association. He was also a member of the Retired Military Officers Association, Low Country Warbirds Association, 33 Degree Mason, and an Honorary Member of Arnold Air Society. In addition, Lt. Col. Kelly shared many of his POW experiences as a public speaker at area grade schools, high schools, and civic organizations. Preceding him in death in Aug 1994, was his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Adel Gamble, of El Paso, Texas, daughter of Colonel Claude and Blanch Hall Gamble. In 2007, He remarried Barbara Lovatt Craig, of Carolina Shores, N.C. He continued to actively support the University and remained close to Norwich throughout his life; often hosting "mini" reunions in the Myrtle Beach area, with his wife, Barbara. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Craig Kelly of Cary, NC, a son, John Kelly of Myrtle Beach, SC, Paula Weingarten Kelly, of Surfside Beach, SC, A son-in law, Thomas L. Craig Jr. and wife, Georgia of Cary, NC. Grand children include Amanda and David Kelly of Surfside Beach, and Casey and Courtney Craig of Cary. The family would like to especially thank Ms. Beverly Behm of Comfort Keepers for her compassionate care of Kel over the past 2 years and to Mercy Hospice of Myrtle Beach, for the excellent services they provided. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 2 pm at Goldfinch Beach Chapel, Murrells Inlet, SC. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm. Kel will be greatly missed by friends and family. In lieu of flowers, contributions my be sent in memory of Earle W. Kelly to: Friends of the Norwich University Library, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield VT, 05663. An online guestbook is available at www.goldfinchfuneral.com. Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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Earle Wellington Kelly

October 8, 2010