Colin Kelly

Colin Kelly (? - 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 a war hero for sacrificing his own life to save his crew when his plane became the first American B-17 to be shot down in combat.

Related Topics:
December 10 - 1941 - World War II - B-17 Flying Fortress - Japanese navy - Pearl Harbor attack - War hero

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On December 10, 1941, Kelly's plane lifted off from Clark Field in the Philippines. During its bombing run, Kelly's bomber hit the Japanese cruiser Ashigara. On its return flight the bomber came under attack by Zeros, one of which was piloted by famed Japanese flying ace Saburo Sakai. Kelly stayed at the controls of the badly damaged aircraft so that the surviving crew members could bail out. Just after the last crew member escaped the plane exploded.

Related Topics:
Clark Field - Philippines - ''Ashigara'' - Zeros - Flying ace - Saburo Sakai

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For his extraordinary heroism and selfless bravery, Kelly was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

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Aviation artist Robert Taylor has painted a painting entitled The Legend of Colin Kelly.

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