Charles L. Kelly | |
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![]() Major Charles L. Kelly, Medical Service Corps, United States Army | |
Born | Wadley, Georgia, US | April 10, 1925
Died | July 1, 1964 Vinh Long, Republic of Vietnam | (aged 39)
Place of burial | Screven County Memorial Cemetery, Sylvania, Georgia |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Army |
Years of service | 1941–1945, 1951–1964 |
Rank | Major |
Commands | 50th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) 54th Medical Detachment (Helicopter Ambulance) |
Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam Advisory Campaign |
Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star |
Signature | ![]() |
Major Charles Livingston Kelly (10 April 1925 – 1 July 1964) was a United States Army helicopter pilot and medical evacuation unit commander during the Vietnam War. Because of the central role he played in the development of early battlefield evacuation techniques during the war—and the central role his death on the battlefield played in cementing those techniques in Army doctrine at a time they were being questioned by line commanders—he earned the sobriquet "The Father of Dustoff".