Bethel Marine Recognized on National Medal of Honor Day

Bethel, CT-- A Bethel Marine was among dozens honored on National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, according to Nasdaq.com.

Staff Sergeant Allan J. Kellogg Jr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Company G, 2d Battallion, 5th Mar., 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps, during the Vietnam War.

According to the U.S. Marine Corps History website, Kellogg was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in March 1970. He was wounded in action in Quang Nam Province on May 8, 1970 and was evacuated to the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan.

Below is the Citation, from Home of Heroes:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company G, in connection with combat operations against the enemy on the night of 11 March 1970. Under the leadership of G/Sgt. Kellogg, a small unit from Company G was evacuating a fallen comrade when the unit came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior enemy force occupying well-concealed emplacements in the surrounding jungle. During the ensuing fierce engagement, an enemy soldier managed to maneuver through the dense foliage to a position near the marines, and hurled a hand grenade into their midst which glanced off the chest of G/Sgt. Kellogg. Quick to act, he forced the grenade into the mud in which he was standing, threw himself over the lethal weapon and absorbed the full effects of its detonation with his body thereby preventing serious injury or possible death to several of his fellow marines. Although suffering multiple injuries to his chest and his right shoulder and arm, G/Sgt. Kellogg resolutely continued to direct the efforts of his men until all were able to maneuver to the relative safety of the company perimeter. By his heroic and decisive action in risking his life to save the lives of his comrades, G/Sgt. Kellogg reflected the highest credit upon himself and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service."

The list of Kellogg's medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, the Purple Heart Medal with two gold stars, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation with one bronze star, the Good Conduct Medal with three bronze stars, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star, the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color) with palm and gold frame, the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Action Color (First Class) with palm and gold frame, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, the Rifle Expert Badge, and the Pistol Expert Badge.

Thirty-three of the 77 living Medal of Honor recipients attended the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation's annual Circle of Honor dinner at the New York Stock Exchange and rang the closing bell last Tuesday, according to Nasdaq.com.

The Air Force Reserve Command stated:

"Created in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor. It is awarded only to US military personnel, by the President of the United States in the name of Congress, for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty. There are three versions of the Medal of Honor, one for the Army, one for the Navy and one for the Air Force, with personnel of the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard receiving the Navy version."

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About the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation was founded in 1999 by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to perpetuate the legacy of the Medal. Through character development, scholarship and citizen recognition programs based on the values embodied in the Medal — courage, sacrifice, selfless service and patriotism — the Foundation teaches all citizens that they can make a difference in the lives of others. The Foundation also supports the important work of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with Tax ID #25-1828488, the Foundation carries a rating of 4/4 stars for fiscal management, accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, America's premiere nonprofit evaluator.

For a full list of Medal of Honor recipients and their towns, click here.

Read more here.

Photo Congressional Medal of Honor Society