Francis Kelly

Francis Kelly (July 5, 1859 – May 19, 1938) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Spanish–American War.

Biography Francis Kelly was born Archibald Houston in Anderston, Glasgow, Scotland. He enlisted in the US Navy from Massachusetts, and served as a watertender in the collier during the Spanish–American War. Kelly was one of eight volunteer crew members when Rear Admiral William T. Sampson ordered Merrimac sunk to block the entrance of Santiago Harbor, Cuba. On the night of 2-June 3, 1898, during the attempt to execute this mission, Merrimacs steering gear was disabled by enemy gunfire, and she sank without obstructing navigation. Her crewmen were rescued by the Spanish and made prisoners-of-war. After the Battle of Santiago de Cuba destroyed the Spanish fleet a month later, Kelly and his shipmates were released. For his actions during this operation, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Francis Kelly remained in the Navy after the Spanish–American War, ultimately obtaining the rank of chief machinist's mate. He returned home to Glasgow, and died there in 1938, his death certificate states "Archibald Houston (formerly Francis Kelly), US naval pensioner". He is buried at Sandymount Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland.

Medal of Honor citation Kelly's official Medal of Honor citation reads as follows: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, June 2, 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, KELLY displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.