Major Bernard Thomas “B.T.” Kelly (1918–2004): WWII hero during sinking of USS Helena

 

Major B.T. Kelly and Grave marker

Major Bernard Thomas “B.T.” Kelly (1918–2004) was a decorated United States Marine Corps officer best known for his heroism during World War II, particularly during the sinking of the USS Helena (CL-50). Born on July 9, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, Kelly graduated from Northwestern University before commissioning into the U.S. Marine Corps. Over a 26-year military career, he served with distinction in multiple theaters of operation, including World War II and the Korean War.

As commander of the Marine detachment aboard the USS Helena, Kelly was stationed on the ship during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Helena was damaged but survived the assault, later returning to combat duty in the Pacific. On July 6, 1943, during the Battle of Kula Gulf, the Helena was struck by three Japanese torpedoes and sank. In the aftermath, Kelly played a critical role in organizing the evacuation and ensuring the survival of many sailors and Marines. His leadership under extreme duress—coordinating rescue efforts, caring for the wounded, and maintaining discipline—was widely praised and later documented in several books on naval warfare and the Pacific campaign.

U.S.S. Helena in WWII

Kelly continued to serve in major Pacific operations, including the amphibious assaults on Peleliu and Okinawa, two of the war’s bloodiest battles. After Japan's surrender, he was assigned to Tientsin, China, where he helped oversee the formal turnover from Japanese forces. He later served in the Korean conflict, extending his service in active combat roles into a second major war.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Kelly pursued several civilian leadership roles. He was the director of the Service Department at Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, California, and later served as director of the Northern California Laborers’ Union Training Center in Dublin, California. He also worked as the financial manager at Kelly World Travel in Lafayette. In retirement, he remained an avid traveler, photographer, and student of history, and took up golf with enthusiasm.

Major Bernard T. Kelly died on June 28, 2004, at the U.C. Davis Medical Center. His actions aboard the USS Helena and throughout his military service continue to be recognized in historical accounts of the Pacific War.

Sources:

• U.S. Navy historical records and USS Helena rescue reports (usshelena.org)

• Public obituary, Sacramento Bee, July 2004

• Various books and accounts of the Pacific theater, including Cruiser: The Life and Loss of HMAS Perth and Her Crew and The Lost Ships of Guadalcanal (Richard Frank)

• Naval History and Heritage Command archives