Thomas Jeffrey "TJ" Kelly – USMC 1964-69

Thomas Jeffrey “TJ” Kelly – USMC 1964-69

Jeff Kelly started his military career in the Marine Corps Reserve and eventually went regular when he realized the reserves were not going to be called up to active duty in Vietnam. He served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines (3/3) as a Tactical Air Control radio operator in 1968 Vietnam. After Vietnam and a home leave, he was stationed at Marine Barracks, Sasebo, Japan. Jeff’s primary area of operation in Vietnam was along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) at Alpha 3 and later Alpha 4 (Con Tien) along the McNamara Line. 3/3 also did multiple operations in the west on the DMZ near Khe Sanh. They also climbed Dong Ha Mountain and surrounding territory. Jeff’s responsibilities included calling in close air support, working with spotter Aerial Observers, and working medical evacuations for the wounded and the killed in action.

Jeff was awarded a Purple Heart. Jeff told us, “It wasn't bad. A piece of shrapnel from artillery. It was what we called an easy heart. I didn't even leave the field”. According to Jeff, “The most difficult times were losing friends.”

After Vietnam and a home leave, he was sent to Marine Barracks, Sasebo, Japan where he worked as a guard NCO.

In 2001 Jeff published DMZ Diary: A Combat Marine's Vietnam Memoir. His book is available for sale on Amazon.

In his interview Jeff honors the memory of his friend Frederick L. Dyer who was killed in Vietnam; We all can honor his memory by visiting the Virtual Wall memorial by clicking on his name above.