On December 20, 1941, an Army communique released in Manila stated that General MacArthur had awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, ranking next to the Medal of Honor, the Captian Kelly and 12 other military personnel (two fo whem were Filipinos), who had exhibited great valor in the defense of the Philippines. Captian Kelly’s citation read: “By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 19, 1918…,The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded posthumously by the Commanding General, United States Army Forces in the Far East, to the following officers and enlisted men of the United States Army Forces in the far East:[Captain Kelly’s citation alone is produced here.]” Colin P. Kelly Jr.(020811), Captain, 14th Bombardment Squadron, Air Corps. For extraordinary heroism in action near Aparri, Cagayan, Phillipine Islands, December 9, 1941. With his airplane a focal point of fire from the strong hostile naval forces, Captain Kelly exhibited a high degree of valor and skill in placing three direct hits upon an enemy battleship, resulting in its destruction. En route to his home airfield upon completion of his mission, his airplane was set afire by the attack of two enemy fighters, but Captain Kelly, the last to leave the burning plan was killed in the resulting crash. By command of General MacArthur: R.K. Sutherland Major General, G.S.C., Chief of Staff.