MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - As the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor passes, we remember the first hero of World War II, Army Air Corps Captain Colin P. Kelly, Jr. of Madison, Florida.
He and his crew on the B-17 bomber were among the first to retaliate against the Japanese after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Captain Kelly was only able to load three 500 pound bombs before taking off under threat of additional strafings by enemy aircraft. He and his crew bombed a Japanese heavy cruiser and were flying to Clark Field in the Philippines when their B-17 was hit by enemy aircraft fire.
Captain Kelly ordered his crew to bailout and he was able to steady the plane for their escape prior to the on-board explosion that took the craft down. Captain Kelly went down with his aircraft and was killed December 9, 1941, 75 years ago.
His example of patriotism, service and sacrifice is an example to all Americans, especially those who carry the name Colin. Captain Kelly is buried in the Oakridge Cemetery in Madison, Florida.
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent the Four Freedoms Monument to Madison, Florida in honor of Captain Kelly and that monument stands today in Four Freedoms Park on Highway 90 across from the Madison County Courthouse in downtown Madison.
