1LT Darwin T. Kelley
1919 - 1995
USAAC
WWII
Darwin Thomas “Dar” Kelley was born July 28, 1919 in DeKalb County, to John and Blanche Treman Kelley.
Kelley’s Army Reserve unit was activated for active duty in World War II on April 8, 1944, and he served in the 8th U.S. Army Air Corps as a navigator aboard two B-17 Flying Fortresses. He flew 35 missions over Europe during the war and experienced numerous enemy fighter plane attacks, exploding flak, and severe weather, for which he was nominated the Distinguished Flying Cross. (which was received almost 50 years later). He was honorably discharged on October 29, 1945 as a First Lieutenant.
He was married to Jeanne Richardson Flock, and they had three children.
Professionally, Kelley was a salesman of medical and surgical supplies, but his contributions to his community outweighed his professional achievements.
During the 50 years he lived in Barrington, Kelley was an active member and Past Commander in VFW Post #7706, and coordinated numerous Memorial Day and 4th of July parades. For more than a decade, he headed up the Voice of Democracy program at Barrington High School. He was also a member of the Barrington Rotary and St. Anne Catholic Church.
Kelley is remembered for his involvement in local organizations and his many unselfish actions. He was a posthumous recipient of the Cook County Sheriff’s Senior Medal of Honor in recognition of his unflagging commitment to his country and community.
1LT Dar Kelley passed away March 18, 1995, and is buried in Barrington’s Evergreen Cemetery.
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Remember. Honor. Teach.
Courtesy of Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.