The new Vietnam War documentary, My Father's Brothers, is now available on demand and DVD. It features Jack Kelley, who is featured in Grandpa's Medals. See where to watch here: www.myfathersbrothers.com/watch About the film: June 29, 1966 - A platoon of American soldiers stumbles upon a large enemy force in the dense jungles of Vietnam. Outnumbered 10-to-1, they face the darkest hours of their lives. The filmmaker interviews his father and other survivors about what happened on that fateful day and the effects it has had every day since.

A silver star, legion of merit and SEVEN bronze stars. This man is a hero.

As a Vietnam veteran I want all of the readers to know the bravery and sacrifice it took this man to earn these medals. This is an American hero of the highest order. I have a few of them, but not anywhere his number. When he passes, his grandson should get them to show his children what a great American is really like. He doesn't want any accolades, yet I stand and salute you, sir.

Looked at the case for three seconds: your grandad is a badass. Dad's a Vietnam vet too. Semper Fi. 🇺🇸

Grandpa flexin his stack

Holy shit kid. Your grandpa is a certified badass. Thank you for you service!

What these medals mean is your Grandpa was and still is a BADASS!!!!!!!

UPDATE: Jack passed away 11/17/2022 Jack Kelley was born in Orlando, Florida on July 8, 1937. A member of the Boy Scouts of America, he was awarded the Eagle Scout badge. He graduated from The Citadel in 1959 and was commissioned as a 2d Lt of Infantry in the US Army. In December 1979, he retired from the U.S. Army as Lt. Colonel after twenty years of service. He commanded parachute infantry units at platoon, company, and battalion levels where his last two assignments were as a Battalion Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division and finally, as Deputy Commander, 5th Special Forces (“Green Berets”). Jack was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for Valor with six Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with eleventh Award, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He also was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Expert Infantryman's Badge Senior Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Aircrew Badge. the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and both the Joint and Army Staff Identification Badges. He earned Master’s Degrees from American University and Central Michigan. He served as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and as an Adjunct Professor at both Webster University and Campbell University. Jack served as the Executive Director of Men’s Ministries of the Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), a position he held from 1985 to 2005 and was one of the founders of Men’s Ministries. In 2006, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries as well as the Commander Bill Linn Award from the Royal Ranger Ministry (IPHC) for shaping the lives of boys. He also served as the Vice President of Advancement/Director of Development for Holmes Bible College from April 2007 to December 31, 2008. He was a member of the President's Cabinet, Carolina College of Biblical Studies. He was recognized by the All-American Airborne Awards organization as well as the 173rd Airborne Brigade Association for Man of the Year. In June 2016 he was recognized by the Secretary of the Army as a Distinguished Member of the 503rd Infantry (Airborne) Regiment. Jack was a lifetime member of the Citadel Alumni Association. He authored Bonded in Battle a book on a battle that he was involved in as a company commander in Vietnam, and Here I Am, Send Me - The First Twenty Years of Men’s Ministry, a history of the beginning of Men’s Ministries on the IPHC. He was a member of the Bragg Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Jack was a member of the Northwood Temple Pentecostal Holiness church, where he served as an Associate Pastor. His wife, Lynn, of 61 years preceded him in death in April 2022. He is survived by his two sons, Jack Jr. (wife Elaine) and Shawn Kelley (wife Áine), three grandsons Dillon, Turner, Liam, and granddaughter Dr. Jessica Walsh O’Sullivan.

"Son... you grandpa was a hardcore badass"

As a Vietnam vet myself, I must say this man went through quite a lot. His medals indicate his bravery on many occasions. His grandson will one day realize that his grandfather was indeed a hero.

Pay attention grandson.....those are not just "medals". That top row is impressive AF.

This man got around. He saw so many different aspects of service. I have little doubt this man was highly respected

Basically son grandpa is one of the best our country ever had. He is the kind of man anyone would want to have when they are at war because he will do whatever it takes to help you make it home, his bravery and the example he set for others to witness and learn from are rare, and unteachable, and make him a very special kind of man. After serving our country, and his fellow soldiers with great distinction in one of the most dangerous, and difficult wars we have fought he was trusted enough that our nation's leaders gave him the immense responsibility of carrying the "football" that we needed to use to ensure our way of life set forward by our countries forefathers would be preserved if our enemies wanted to destroy us. Nobody can expect you to fill such big shoes, and you don't have to be awarded any medals to keep our love, but knowing that you are made from the same stuff as your grandpa should give you a great sense of honor, and pride, helping you to make the right decisions throughout life. Knowing that every American owes a debt of gratitude to your grandpa and many others like him, and can enjoy their apple pie, and fireworks on Independence Day has made me a proud son, and given me all of the confidence I need to know we can do anything we set our minds to when we believe in ourselves and our brothers who stand beside us. Always keep his examples in your heart and mind, and do what you know is right in all that you do, and you will never have to look back with regret. Your grandpa isn't bragging when he shows you these medals, he is telling you that having something to be proud of about yourself is more important than all of the money in the world, and that he loves you, and knows you will understand and continue making him, and your family proud. Now, let's me, you, and grandpa go play some catch until Grandma and mom are finished dinner.

Your grandpa’s a legend son. A hero. You’re lucky

Holy cow! Jack Kelley! He was an Army ROTC Instructor and one of my Tactical Officers when I was a cadet at The Citadel waaaaaay back in 1966-1970. A true patriot, an inspiring leader, and a Christian gentleman. We were indeed blessed to learn leadership lessons from him.

Woooow...I can’t even fathom this mans awards...7 bronze stars is beyond belief.

My Dad was a WW2 Veteran. He only received one medal...the "Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters". His hand was injured by enemy Flak on one bombing mission. I know he was eligible for numerous other Medals but he never pursued them...or really cared. A very humble patriot.

Step aside for this gentleman. Much respect Sir

That soldier is fucking STACKED. Rah Sir. Respect from a Corpsman in 1st Marine Division.

Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Flying Cross 7(seven) Bronze Stars and all the rest, glad he is around to tell the tale. Thank you sir

My pops passed two years back his x wife took and hid all his medal from nam he was a recon marine id kill to have had this talk with him or even one medal to show his grandaughter respect honor and cherish this time young man you cannot replace it when you grandad speaks he is speaking with the weight of history one day youll get it i never did when inwas young but onenday when your grown and have kids this will all make sooo much more sense and mean a ton more too

I hope his grandson remembers much of his stories. It’s a special thing to know your dad or granddad was a hero,

Great video! I remember when my grandfather showed me his medals from World War Two. Its a privilege to have these heroes in our lives.

He served with me in the 173rd airborne brigade in Ben Hoa RSVN in 1968. A few meters away.

Grandpa was a BADASS !! Thank you for your service Sir 🙏

Long story short, kid...your grandpa is a certified badass!!

I did 33 years active duty with 7 combat tours. I wish my family was as interested as this young man is.

OUT standing, thank you for your service sir.

Bet grandpa was one badass dude in his day. Be proud young man. The CIB is the one that counts the most.

That is one hell of a line up of medals, and who would've thought that about this good hearted grandpa educating his grandson. This is beautiful and I think the kiddo will forever think his grandpa is a hero. Even if it is a modest and humble presentation. Good work!

Kid to his friends: "You might be cool and all, but you'll never be a badass as my grandpa"... This man is a fucking LEGEND, respect!

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. Teaching the next generation. May the Lord hold you all in the palm of His hand.

It was an honor to give 9M and 40S of my life to listen to you explain your medals to your grandson. I personally have never heard of an individual with 7 Bronze Stars. I am humbled by your service to the greatest Country on this earth. From a US Navy Vet, Bravo Zulu sir!

One Retired Veteran to another…Thank You for Your Service 🇺🇸

The grandson might not fully grasp the full magnitude of his grandfather's stellar military service at this age, but he will as he gets older. And, he has the video to reflect on. He will someday most likely inherit his grandpa's medal collection.

Son your father is a gentleman and a real badass.

I can’t believe people are doubting this person. Flying in the Vietnam war was no picnic in the park, I would guess most of you wouldn’t know that. For this person to serve on the joint Chiefs of Staff, the don’t just take anyone or some shit birds. Take the time to learn what those medals mean. Actually surprised he lived through all that combat. Remember this: Freedom isn’t free, lots of people died in war so you can sit on your ass and criticize people. Semper Fi (1975-1980).

that young fella.will grow up very proud of his grand father..........

listen to how humble but also how proud he is - this man is a living legend.

Thank you for your service, LTC Kelley.

Grandpa was a "bad ass" !

It's wonderful that a grandfather could teach his grandson. Children should know their history and the young boy's grandfather taught him the right way. There's nothing like being taught by your elders and what they teach is priceless.

That little boy is so lucky to have this man as his grandfather. What a life of service he demonstrates. Every little boy should have a grandfather like this to look up to. BZ colonel!

My Grandpa fought for General George Patton U.S. Third Army 94th Infantry Division WWll. He was Awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He wouldn't talk about his Service and sadly the story is lost to time. He passed in the Spring of 2013.

When I saw his shadow box I was more than impressed. Flex all you want Warrior! You were the heroes that trained my generation. So glad to have had that opportunity. Thank you.

Wow you just never know what youtube decides to show you, I enjoyed grandpa and grandson sharing this with all of us and respect LTC Kelley and his brave service. What a career! Thank you!

Thank you Sir for your service and sacrifices! May God bless you and your family!

Thanks for sharing. Humbled. Your Grandpa is an American hero. Thank you for your service.

Hello from Brazil, congratulations sir, you are a real hero. I am 2nd Lieutenant retired, I served for 30 years the military police in my country. I have my medals too and they were conquered with blood and sweat. 🇺🇸🇧🇷

I’ll sum it up: grandpa was a badass! 😂 Thanks for your service, Col. Kelley. Great video.

Grandpa is bona fide bad ass. Thank you. Semper fi, from a former Marine.

Your dad is a fucking badass thank you for his service and GOD BLESS HIM

Thank you for your service and for passing on the spirit of service.

You can tell that he’s a good man. You just hear it in his voice.

Grandpa has done it all. Mad respect for this hero. His grandson will look back at this video and if he does join the service will realize how much blood sweat and tears went into each one of those badges and medals.

Thank you for your service Jack. My Father served one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam in the Marine Corp. He retired an E9 after 33 years. He is gone now, but not forgotten.

Wow, Grandpa is a legitimate Hero.. Basically he has every medal besides the top 2 you know the one you usually have to die for.. pretty impressive. thanks for your service

That’s just my 7 bronze stars, Billy.

Little guy doesn't understand, but when he gets older Grandpa is going to be bigger than life!

Thanks for the service, but thanks for teaching your little men. Hope he never has to, but I have a feeling he will be a boss with the help of his Grandpa.

My name is Alex Vangen and my grandfather retired in the United States Army in 1960 as a full colonel. He was awarded a Purple Heart with cluster, Battle of the bulge campaign,silver star with cluster, bronze star with cluster, P.O.W medal, Japan occupation medal, UN medal, Korean War medal, a medal for working in the pentagon, CIB or combat infantry badge, 76th infantry division company E 385th regiment. Worked for FEMA from eishenhowers administration through Gerald Ford. He personally knew JFK,Nixon, Johnson and ford . Also was offered a post of for guarding tomb of the unknown soldier but declined. Rest In Peace

Son, your grandpa was a legend! Nuff said!

Outstanding service Sir,God bless you.

God Bless You, LTC Kelley. There are eight men in my family. Of those eight: 1 was an Officer in the Navy, served on the USS New Jersey in Viet Nam, awarded the Silver Star by Admiral McCain on the deck of the USS New Jersey. 1 was a Marine Officer, 1 was an Sergeant in the Air Force. 1 was Army Enlisted and later Officer, and a sister that Army Spec-4. The country needs to know about the great people that have signed up to "Serve, Protect, and Defend" and will give a life to see that commitment through to the end.

Poor kid is like damn! Wtf do I need to do to get some respect in this family!!

Young fella your grandpa is a true hero. Thank you for your service to our country Colonel. 👍🏻

Grandpa is a hero and welcome home brother.God bless.

Thank you for your service, sir. To the country and to your grandson.

I spent 30 years in the United States Marine Corps and have served under some of the bravest officers this world has ever seen and I have never and probably never will meet someone with Seven Bronze Stars 🌟 what and incredible Soldier it has been an honor to watch this special video. Sir, I salute you!

From one Veteran (Desert Storm) to another, thank you Sir and welcome home.

A great video of a humble American hero sharing his military service with his grandson. Just wait until that young grandson really gets what his grandpa told him about all those medals. Better yet, when the grandson goes back and watches this video, maybe with his daughter or son and says, “ your great-grandfather was a hero. These are the medals awarded to him for valor in combat.”

Grandpa's a badass. Your son is a lucky fellow.

Many thanks for your service! Because of men like you, I and my family could sleep safe. Thank you again!

Great story! Makes me wish my grand dad had of done that with me. He fought at Vimy Ridge in WW1. He was only 16 when he went and was wounded twice. After the first wound, he got patched up and sent back in. But his second wound was so bad that he got gangrene in it and had to have part of his inner thigh carved out. After that, they sent him home. He wanted to fight in WW2 but they told him he was too old. So he served as a German POW prison camp guard. People like my grand dad, and Mr. Kelley are real heroes!

The military don't just give them metals out for just anything or to just anyone the military knows who the heros are. My uncle was one of those heros who gave all he was awarded the purple heart and the presidential unit citation award in 1944 he was in the 29th army infantry division involved in the Normandy invasion but sadly his metals were presented to grandpa and grandma. He was drafted when he was 20 years old and had been in the army less then a year and was shot while fighting in the hedgerows in late July 1944 and he suffered for a week before dying in a hospital in France. I never got the chance to met this hero but I will someday and knowing this only makes me more content with my own passing so I can shake his hand and tell him how proud I am to be his nephew

Wow. Your dad is truly a hero. It's an honor to hear him talk about his service.

Thank you for your time in uniform of our country, especially being in the Vietnam war. I Salute you.

Being in the service and understanding the amount of work and dedication required for these ribbons/medals/badges brings a whole new level of admiration I have for this man. He is the standard many should aim for.

All respect to this man! I'm a vet that comes from a family of vets! I'm glad your grandson shows an interest in what you have earned.

That young man is lucky to have a grandfather like Jack Kelly.

As a member of the 101st I’m truly inspired by this man!

Outstanding! Thank you for your service sir!........

Jack T Kelley that is one hell of a resume. Thank you! USMC 1977 to 1984

I always grew up believing that my grandfather had a cushy desk job in WWII. I knew that he had served during the war but he never talked about it. After my grandmother died, I found his military records in an old, partly rusted, metal box. It turns out that he was a decorated Flight Officer (a discontinued rank after the war). He flew glider planes behind German lines in three major campaigns of the European Theatre. I’ve since learned that it was a role that men volunteered for with a very high fatality rate. Paradoxically, a former German soldier during WWII who immigrated to the USA was a neighbor of my grandfather’s for over thirty years. Both men had great respect for each other. Shorty before the German neighbor died, he told me that my grandfather was the greatest man he had ever known which almost brought tears to my eyes but I held them back. I’m biased but I tend to agree with his assessment.

7 Bronze stars, a DFC and a Silver Star. Jesus, I'm not American, but I still want to render you a salute through the monitor sir, you are a hero.

Thank you sir for your dedicated service and two tours in Vietnam.

Man, this is not my grandpa but, I am so proud of this grandpa! Thank you for your service, sir! I wish you a very long and healthy life along with your friend and family!

Impressive. Thank your grandfather for his service.

Yeah kid, your Grandpa is a certified badass! Thank you for your service brother.

THIS WAS F'N EPIC! I salute you Sir! Cheers and God Bless and God Bless American from Canada on this Canada Day! See you in 3 days!

And what a stack it is! Grandpa was a badass and fearless in combat. Mad respect to him

Great video. It's great that your dad is able to share his memories and accomplishments with his young grandson. Thank you for your service, sir and Welcome Home!

My grandfather served in the army in ww1 and received the bronze Star and the purple Heart because he got shot in the foot during infantry, thank you for your service

One day soon the grandson will understand how much of an American Hero his grandpa was, how much Honor he has! I also hope the Grandson carries on in his life that HONOR and LOYALTY, in whatever endeavor he takes up in life!! God Bless America!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words......well this frame I don’t think you can quantify the number of words. This was one true American, bass-ass hero.

I've met a lot a lot of Veterans who are most proud of the CIB. GRAMPA is the Man!

Great job educating that young man, Thank you for service!

This is amazing. This man had been through it all and was truly a hero. Its amazing that the new generation of his family will be able to look at this video and understand their family history. Rest in peace sir, thank you for your service.

Rest in piece LTC Kelly. I got so invested in this I looked you up sir, thank you for everything you have done. Prayers to your family Shawn

You the man, grandpa, thanks for your service.