25JUN1944: His unit pinned down near Fort du Roule in Cherbourg, France, CPL John Kelly volunteered to reduce the enemy position causing them so much trouble. Procuring a pole charge, a long stick with an explosive charge on one end, CPL Kelly climbed a slope under intense machine gun fire to within 10 feet of the entrenched enemy. His first attempt unsuccessful, CPL Kelly returned to friendly lines, reequipped, and made his way back up the slope again under intense fire. This time, his charge blew the front off of the enemy guns, rendering them useless. He then returned a third time to blow a gap in the bunker entrance large enough to throw grenades in. His action forced the surrender of the enemy gun crew that could have inflicted heavy losses on his fellow Americans. For his brave and selfless act, CPL John Kelly would be awarded the Medal of Honor.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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