It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) Jerry Robert Kelley on 30 December 2023 at age 75. Rear Admiral Kelley entered the Medical Corps, U.S. Naval Reserve, in September 1991. He served as a surgeon and then senior health care executive, until his retirement in May 2011 as deputy medical officer of the Marine Corps and assistant deputy surgeon general for Total Force Integration. He served as commanding officer, Naval Reserve (NR) Fleet Hospital Dallas, Texas.
Jerry Kelley graduated from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, in 1971 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He then attended the University of Texas–San Antonio Medical School, earning his medical doctor degree in 1976. Following certification in general and cardiothoracic surgery, Dr. Kelly practiced medicine in the San Antonio area in 1983. He entered the Naval Reserve via direct commission in September 1991 at the grade of lieutenant commander to date from 28 December 1986. He was commissioned by former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Arleigh Burke, USN (Ret.).
In September 1991, Lieutenant Commander Kelley was assigned to Navy–Marine Corps Reserve Center, Primus Detachment, San Antonio, Texas, as a thoracic surgeon. In March 1992, he reported to NR 4th Medical Battalion/4th Reconnaissance Battalion, San Antonio, as battalion surgeon and unit commanding officer. He was promoted to commander in July 1992.
In August 1994, Commander Kelley was assigned to the 4th Marine Division, New Orleans, Louisiana, as assistant division surgeon. In January 1996, he reported to NR Fleet Hospital 500, Combat Zone 21, San Antonio, Texas, as thoracic surgeon. In October 1996, he was assigned to 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Force Services Support Group, San Diego, California, as operations/intelligence officer (S3/2). In October 1997, he again reported to NR 4th Medical Battalion/4th Reconnaissance Battalion, this time as battalion surgeon and unit commanding officer. He was promoted to captain on 1 August 1998.
In October 1998, Captain Kelley reported to NR Fleet Hospital 500, Combat Zone 21, San Antonio, as director of surgery and executive officer. In October 2001, he assumed duty as commanding officer of NR Fleet Hospital Dallas, Texas. In October 2003, following his command tour, Kelley remained with NR Fleet Hospital Dallas as special assistant, reserve advisor to Medical Officer of the Marine Corps. He was promoted to rear admiral (lower half) on 1 October 2007.
At times, Rear Admiral Kelley served as a consultant/instructor at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.
In October 2007, Rear Admiral Kelley was assigned as reserve deputy medical officer to the Medical Officer of the Marine Corps. In October 2010, he assumed duty as assistant deputy surgeon general for Total Force Integration. Rear Admiral Kelley retired on 1 May 2011.
Rear Admiral Kelley’s awards include the Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (four awards); Navy Commendation Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal; Rifle Marksmanship Medal; and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.
After retiring from the Navy Reserve, Rear Admiral Kelly continued to practice at Veterans Administration medical hospitals in Fayetteville and Little Rock, Arkansas. He served as a board member for the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas. Funeral services were held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, on 22 March 2024.
Rear Admiral Kelley was affiliated with the American College of Surgeons, American Board of Thoracic Surgery, American College of Chest Physicians, and the American College of Cardiology
It was a love of naval history, inspired by his father’s Navy service during World War II and Korea, that led to Jerry Kelley’s interest in joining the U.S. Navy relatively late, after he was already well established in private practice as a surgeon. His friendship with retired Captain Roger Pineau (World War II Navy codebreaker and author of the biography of Admiral Nimitz’s intelligence officer, Eddie Layton) that led to a lifelong interest in World War II in the Pacific and to retired Admiral Arleigh Burke serving as Kelley’s commissioning official. Rear Admiral Kelley served in multiple assignment with the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy fleet hospitals. He was recognized as an expert in such areas as humanitarian operations, domestic preparedness, and chemical-biological casualty management. He was designated as a commander amphibious task force surgeon; joint task force surgeon; and plans, operations, and medical intelligence officer. As with any senior officer in the Navy Reserve, his service came at considerable sacrifice in personal and family time, for which the Navy (and Marine Corps) and the nation should be grateful. Even after retirement, he continued to serve as a surgeon for Veterans Administration hospitals as well as on the Board of the National Museum of the Pacific War. A proclamation in his honor by the Texas House of Representative (82nd Legislature) stated that Rear Admiral Kelley “exemplified the highest ideals of both the medical profession and the United States armed forces.” He saved many lives along the way, and for that alone deserves respect and gratitude.
Rest in Peace, Admiral Kelley.