This Mineral County native grew up in Keyser, played sports at Keyser High School, and attended Potomac State College of WVU before being drafted into the Army in 1943.

Kelley became a sergeant in the 78th Infantry Division. In January 1945, during a fierce battle in Kesternich, Germany, he led his squad in a brave attack despite being wounded. He refused medical help and kept fighting until he was killed the next day. His actions helped capture the village and earned him the Medal of Honor—the only one received by a soldier in his division.

Many places have been named in his honor, including Kelley Barracks in Germany and a bridge in Mineral County. He was first buried in the Netherlands but later moved to Queen’s Point Cemetery in his native county.