Grandpa Kelley's Farewell

My Grandpa Hoyt Frank Kelley passed away this month at the age of 91. Grandpa was a wonderful man. A hard working, loving, soft spoken, humble individual who was willing to do anything for anyone. He had worked a full day at Poco Loco (my aunt's swim shop), had just eaten dinner out and was walking a few blocks to see a play with my aunt when his heart stopped. Talk about a great way to go. Not sick or frail, working until the end!  

My Grandfather was a humble hero. I've always been proud of his service to our county and the people of France as a paratrooper in WWII. It has been such a blessing to our family, that in recent years he was willing to start sharing those experiences. He served for three years in the United States Army’s First Battalion of the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. As staff sergeant under Captain Bill Boyle he had the task of gathering military intelligence. After also serving in Italy, he was one of 2,000 men to jump into France and one of only 41 who was still alive in 2013. Grandpa and his unit were in France for 94 days, which he said was longer than any other Army unit during WWII. That was quickly followed by another 90 days of battle in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and northern France.

Last year he was invited to France by the French government to be presented with the Chevalier Legion of Honor, the most prestigious military decoration in France. Such an award is generally restricted to French nationals, but the French government can make an exception for U.S. veterans who risked their lives during World War II to fight on French territory. My parents and my Aunt were able to go with him and had a wonderful and special experience visiting the places he fought and participating in parades and ceremonies. Here are some pictures from that trip.

It was a wonderful weekend in Logan Utah with family. 6 out of the 7 siblings were there along with a few in-laws. I left the boys home with Steve and it was just Kendall and I. It was nice to spend time with extended family too.

Laura and Kendall

Kendall and her Grandpa

Grandpa arriving in style

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Military burials are so beautiful. There is a sacredness to the rituals preformed by the servicemen. Seeing the flag folded and hearing the shots fired is a powerful and humbling experience.

It was so neat seeing Grandpa's things he saved from the war.

A few of the treasures he held onto from the war

Chevalier Legion of Honor

Grandpa received 3 Purple Hearts

Emergency rations (If you've read Unbroken you know all about these)

Silk maps Grandpa jumped with to help navigate the French countryside as a pathfinder

The nursing babies. Sweet 3 week old Adelyn and Kendall

 
Grandpa will be missed, but I am firm in the knowledge that he is now with family and friends who have already passed.