One of America's greatest patriots, the 28th commandant of the US Marine Corps, Gen Paul Xavier "PX" Kelley, passed away on Dec 29th, 2019.
He was 91 years old.
General Kelley served as the Commandant from July 1, 1983, to June 30, 1987.
General Kelley’s service to his nation should come as no surprise given his family background: his father served in the Army and died in World War II; his sister was one of the first Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analysts; his brother attended the United States Naval Academy and later held a high position with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and his daughter worked at the Pentagon and was a senior staffer on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Kelley served 37 years active duty in the Marine Corps. After his commission in 1950, he served as an infantry officer in a wide variety of billets. His first assignment after receiving his commission through Villanova College's Naval ROTC program was with Aircraft Engineering Squadron 12 (AES-12) at Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia. He then served as an exchange officer with the Royal Marines.
He joined the Marine Force Reconnaissance community and served with distinction during the Vietnam War. Serving in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, Kelley commanded the 1st Marines, the last Marine regiment to see combat in Vietnam.
On July 1, 1981, Kelley was promoted to the rank of General, making him the youngest Marine ever to be promoted to 4-stars.
His final assignments were as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and then Commandant of the Marine Corps until his retirement in 1987.
One of the most memorable events of General Kelley's career occurred on the night he became the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
At the end of the ceremony, as General Kelley was escorting President Reagan off the parade grounds, they passed by the saluting Marines. President Reagan commented, "I wish I could return their salute."
General Kelley replied, "Mr. President, you are our Commander-In-Chief. That would be a very appropriate thing to do."
With this, the Presidential salute became commonplace.
General Kelley’s military decorations include Distinguished Service Medals from the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, the Department of the Army, and the Department of the Air Force; the Silver Star Medal; three awards of the Legion of Merit; and two awards of the Bronze Star Medal. His foreign decorations include the Republic of Vietnam Distinguished Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with two palms and three gold stars, the Philippines Legion of Honor Medal, the Korean Order of Security Merit Tong II Medal, and the Republic of China Order of Resplendent Banner with Grand Cordon.
General Kelley served under three Presidents as Chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission. In this position he was responsible for the design and construction of the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the legislation, construction and dedication of the National World War II Memorial.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelley family.
Thank you for your service, sir. May you rest in peace.
Semper Fi!
Compiled by MSgt Rob Wilkins, USAF, Ret.
LET'S GO BRANDON!!!!
