Raymond Russell Kelly, a veteran of World War II who bravely flew over 35 bombing missions to mainland Japan in 1945, recounted his wartime experiences in a poignant interview with Marianas Variety and Kyodo News at the American Memorial Park on June 13, 2014.
Engaged in high-stakes missions met with staunch opposition by the Japanese, Kelly reflected on the challenging nature of his assignments. “They gave us a lot of opposition, particularly over Mitsubishi [Plant], in Nagoya,” he recalled.
When asked by Kyodo News about the impact of the firebombing missions on civilians, Kelly expressed remorse, acknowledging the collateral damage inflicted in pursuit of victory. “It bothered me. In order to win the war, we figured we had to do it,” he said. Despite his reservations, Kelly recognized the grim necessity of his actions, lamenting the plight of innocent Japanese civilians caught in the crossfire.
Kelly’s return to Saipan in June 2014, alongside five other WWII veterans, both Japanese and American, was marked by solemn commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan/Tinian. Accompanied by his children, Kelly received a warm welcome upon his arrival at Saipan International Airport, greeted by members of the 70th Anniversary committee and the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Reflecting on her father’s service, Kelly’s daughter, Maribeth, expressed pride in his contributions to preserving freedom. “We’re proud of my father and the role he played in preserving our country’s freedom,” she shared in an interview with Marianas Variety.
A member of the 482nd Squadron, 505th Bomb Group, 313th Bomb Wing, Kelly served at the North Field on Tinian, the world’s largest operational airbase at the time. His valor was recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross and other military honors for his courageous service.
Honored in separate ceremonies on Tinian, Kelly paid tribute to his fallen comrades and the sacrifices made by those who never returned from their missions. Recalling the harrowing experiences of aerial combat, Kelly recounted one particularly perilous mission over Shimonoseki, where his plane narrowly escaped heavy flak and stormy weather.
Despite facing constant danger and uncertainty, Kelly expressed gratitude for the divine protection that shielded him and his crew from harm. “Although we got a lot of holes in our planes, none of us were ever touched,” he remarked, attributing their survival to a higher power.
During his visit to Saipan, Kelly extended heartfelt appreciation to the local community for their hospitality and the enduring memorials honoring those who gave their lives in service. His words of gratitude resonated deeply as he paid tribute to the fallen and urged remembrance of their sacrifice.
Raymond Russell Kelly’s legacy of courage and sacrifice lives on, a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who served during World War II. Though he passed away on Feb. 1, 2016, at the age of 93, his memory endures as a beacon of inspiration and honor for future generations. Born on March 29, 1922, in San Francisco, Kelly answered the call to duty at the age of 21, joining the Army Air Corps in May 1943. Serving through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, he devoted nearly three decades of his life to the U.S. Army Air Corps and later the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1970.
Discussion about this post