Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-05-07
HIGH HONOR CONFERRED
ON 0TTAWAN BY
FRENCH GOVT.
TRUE TO TRADITION
FRIENDS AT HOME KNEW HONOR
WOULD NECESSARILY HAVE
TO FOLLOW HEROIC LAST
STAND or APRIL 21-GlvE PAR.
TlCUlARS OF FIGHT.

'"o' 't''ut' ii'iiN H. NtllNs sun ol
Attorney and Mrs. Henry NJ, Kelly,
has been awarded the croiX dcguerre
tcross of war, with palm as special
recognition for distinguished service.
came as no surprise to the leeions of
friends here OF the young Ottawan
Formal announcement that he had
been visited in verdun hospital.
where he IS convaescing from his
wounds, and bestowed the cross OF
war and palm, came in cablegrams to
American newspapers this morning.
Included with the message telling OF
the manner in which Lieut. Kelly fell
lighting to almost his last drop of
blood and his last ounce of streng. n
Is the official citation which says
Wounded in both legs and made
prisoner by five of the enemy. he
brayely defended himself and es-
capped. with the aid of few men
who had run to his assistance
wounded again he had to spend
the entire nigh. at trench end
before it was evacuated
Lieut. Kelly was "a reserve officer
at Fort Sheridan.
As for there being no surprise that
Lieut. Kelly should be given the
French ul.ra-honor. 1t was known, IN
view OF he circumstances surround.
ing his brave last stand among the
folks at home. official recognition of
his valor would necessarily have to
follow II friends had been making
books" on the proposition they would
have offered wagers of a million-to-one
that Harry would land his cross
They were becoming uneasy for the
announcement 20 be made. but were
learned that the great sisterrepublic
across the Atlantic had given a dou'
bic citation by adding the palm leaf
20 his badge OF distinguished service
While all Ottawa glories in this
glOriiied sample of its valiant young
manhood. ii hesitates in its adulatior
to deplore the toll exacted iron
Lieut.. Kelly before he licked his last
l.oche and bleeding almost unto
deutb. fought his way back to Tho
American lines aud aid.
The cable reports show that The
young Ottawan was pocketed by ilv,
Germans. But even against these
cd twice in the leg by foe fire h,
fought his captivcs. When assist
apcc reached him the heroic part.
managed to beat off the enemy, NJ
doubt, making him pay heavy price
In killed and wounded That Lieut.
Kelly escaped with his life Is consid
cred nothing short of a miracle,
That he should make his last stan
in Just the manner he did was @,
pccted at home where Lieut. Kell
Is known as young man OF exen
plary conduct, faithful to duty.
dutiru son to proud father an
mother and credit to the city c
his nativity. A graduate Of Notr
Dame University, where he receive
his degree as lawyer. Lieut. Kell
has been admitted to the Illinois ba
When he is sufficiently recovere
to stand the long journey Jack to tn
states he will be tenderly brougl
home. Ottawa will be found read
TO receive It's first real hero with ope
arms.
The Cablcd Story.
The following Is the cabled sto
of The valOr OF Lieut.. Kelly and 9th
Americans who took part with hi
in the fighting around Siecherey I
April 2O.2l last.
With the American Army IN Fran
Nav One American officer n
three privates were awarded Il
cross of war mt a hospital near VI
dun last evening for galantry d
played In the recent raid by Germ
shock troops on American position
The awards were made by Fren
general who was accompanied by
American general The soldiers I
torated are
Lieut.. Harry J. Kelly Ottawa ~