WWII USMC Camillus Knife Sheath Named JIM KELLY Vietnam Marine Corps Navy Cross

Description

World War Two (WWII WW2) United States Marine Corps (USMC) Camillus N.Y. 1219C Fighting Knife (KABAR-style)
Leather Sheath named and identified (ID'd) JIM KELLY WILLOWS CALIF.
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal James Raymond Kelly, III (MCSN: 2040353), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a grenadier with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 March 1967. During a search and destroy mission, Corporal Kelly's platoon was engaged in a heavily contested conflict against enemy forces. As his platoon entered the village of An Hoa, it became subjected to intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire, which inflicted numerous casualties upon the Marines. With complete disregard for his own safety and with full knowledge of the hazards involved, Corporal Kelly assaulted an enemy bunker single-handedly and destroyed it. The enemy then attempted to flank the Marine platoon with six men armed with automatic weapons. Utilizing a well camouflaged trenchline, the enemy was close to accomplishing their objective when Corporal Kelly suddenly observed their movement. He rushed forward in the face of certain death, killed three of the enemy and caused the remainder to flee. Mortally wounded during this action, Corporal Kelly by his bold initiative and selfless concern for others undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. His daring display of courage was responsible for the eventual successful accomplishment of the platoon's mission and an inspiration to all who observed him. Corporal Kelly's indomitable fighting spirit, professional skill and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Paramarine Raider
Army GI Soldier Airborne Paratrooper Ranger Medic Tank Driver Engineer Cook Clerk
Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Senior NCO, Enlisted Men (EM)
Navy (USN) Construction Battalion (CB) SeaBee, Corpsman
Petty Officers (PO) Chief CPO, Sailor
Squad Platoon Company Battalion Regiment Division, Infantry Grunt Veteran
Pacific Theater of Operations (PTO), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign
Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Cape Gloucester, Saipan, Tinian, Pelelui, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Japan, China
European-African, Middle Eastern Campaign, European Theater of Operations (ETO)
North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England
H-Hour, D-Day, VE-Day, VJ-Day, Victo