HEROIC CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN.

New Zealand Tablet, 20 February 1919, Page 23

HEROIC CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN.

General Pershing, in the name of President Wilson, has awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to Father Francis A. Kelly, chaplain of the 104th Machine Gun Battalion, for acts of extraordinary heroism on the battlefield. The following description of Father Kelly's gallantry is given in the official report published by the U.S. War Department: "Chaplain Francis A. Kelly, 104th Machine Gun Battalion. For repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action near Ronssoy, between September 26 and 30, and east of Le Selle River, between October 13 and 20. During the operations of his regiment against the Hindenburg line, and later east of the Le Selle River, he was constantly at the front, caring for the wounded and supervising the burial of the dead, often under heavy shell and machine gun fire. His fearless conduct afforded an inspiring example to the combatant troops." ~ .....■.-•