John Kelley (Medal of Honor)

Kelley was born in Ireland.^[1] He served as Second Class Fireman aboard the USS Ceres during the American Civil War.^[2] He earned his medal in action aboard the USS Ceres on July 9, 1862. He died in Jackson, Michigan on September 12, 1927, and is now interred in Mount Evergreen Cemetery, Jackson, Michigan.^[2] His medal is now located in the Naval Historical Center in Washington, DC.^[2]

For extraordinary heroism in action as Second Class Fireman on board the USS Ceres in the fight near Hamilton, Roanoke River, North Carolina, 9 July 1862. When his ship was fired on by the enemy with small arms, Second Class Fireman Kelley returned the raking fire, courageously carrying out his duties through the engagement and was spoken of for good conduct and cool bravery under enemy fires, by the commanding officer.^[1]