Honor Mission
Samuel C. Kelly III
United States Marine Corps
Vietnam War Veteran
Schuylerville, NY - 06/27/2025
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of Samuel Clement Kelly III has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Mr. Kelly, 80, passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2025, at the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and close friends.
Born on August 5th, 1944, in Coral Gables, Florida, Mr. Kelly graduated in 1966 from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, where he received a BA in History and played Division I football. Upon graduation, he entered active duty in the US Marine Corps on 29 August 1966. He trained as a helicopter pilot and deployed to Vietnam, completing a one year tour of duty from 1968–1969 with Marine Squadron HMM-265, piloting CH-46A "Phrog" helicopters on combat assault, medevac, and troop transport missions. He also served on the ground as a forward air controller.
He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain (O-3) on 10 November 1971, and for his service was awarded; Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device.
Transitioning to civilian life, Mr. Kelly excelled in the corporate world but ultimately returned to aviation. He served as Chief Pilot for Hughes Tool Company in Houston, TX, managing and flying its fleet of aircraft until 1987. Later, he flew private jets out of West Palm Beach, FL, before concluding his career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. There, he earned a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science and taught courses in Human Factors in Aviation as an adjunct professor.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in Mr. Kelly's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
06/27/2025 at 02:00pm
Staging Location:
Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Dan Nolin
518-361-6410
Special Information:
Interment with military honors scheduled for 2:30 pm. Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 06/24; MER
