John Kelley

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Second Class Fireman John Kelley, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action as Second Class Fireman on board the U.S.S. 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.