Colin Kelly

Colin Purdie Kelly Jr. (/ˈkoʊlɪn/ KOH-lin; July 11, 1915 – December 10, 1941) was a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot who flew bombing runs against the Japanese navy in the first days after the Pearl Harbor attack. He is remembered as one of the first American heroes of the war after ordering his crew to bail out while he remained at the bomber's controls trying to keep the plane in the air before it exploded, killing him. His was the first American B-17 to be shot down in combat.

For the Gaelic footballer, see Colin Kelly (Gaelic footballer). For the American football offensive tackle, see Colin Kelly (American football).
Colin Kelly
Kelly, painted in 1942
Birth nameColin Purdie Kelly Jr.
BornJuly 11, 1915 (1915-07-11)
Madison, Florida, U.S.
DiedDecember 10, 1941(1941-12-10) (aged 26)
Clark Field, Pampanga, Philippines
Buried
Oak Ridge Cemetery, Madison, Florida
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Corps
Years of service1937–1941
RankCaptain
Unit14th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Alma materWest Point Class of 1937
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