Kelly, Robert Harper, born in Indiana, United States 
on 29-10-1905, to Robert Lincoln Kelly (1865–1954)
and his wife Cecilia, born Rifner Kelly (1869–1955) 
Robert had two sisters Agnes Rifner Kelly Scott (1891–1987) and Lois Ann Kelly (1895–1978).
No early-life records, parentage, or census data has been located. Robert may have been a graduate of the US Military Academy, 
however the first instance of him in military annals is his arrival from the U.S. to England on April 19, 1944, to assume command of the “Bloody” 100th Bomb Group. 
under command of Colonel Neil Bosworth “Chick” Harding 
who passed away 22-04-1978 (age 73 ) in Villanova, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, USA.
Records there show that he had previously served 2 years at Bolling Field, Washington, D.C. on the staff of the Chief of Staff, Air Staff, War Department. On 28-04-1944, Rober flew a combat mission against V-weapons at Sottevast, France. He assumed the position of Lead Commander.
For unknown reasons, no bombs were released on the first bomb run, so Kelly elected to make another run at the same altitude and air speed. The German gunners had all the information they needed from the first run, so brought accurate and intense fire upon the formation, bracketing it in a hail of flak. Kelly’s aircraft took direct hits, and crashed in flames. 
Death and burial ground of Kelly, Robert Harper.
Colonel Kelly Commanded the 100TH for one week and two days. He was lost on his first mission to the Sub pens at Sottevast France. The results were disastrous. Two ships were lost when group made a second bomb run over the target at the same altitude and heading.
This was what can best be called a “pick-up” crew of veteran airmen, with the exception of Colonel Kelly fresh from the States and had became the 100th’s Commanding Officer only nine days prior to the mission.
There were six dead among the eleven personnel on board. Nothing has been located as to recovery or burial, but evidently the dead were recovered at some point as Colonel Kelly now rests in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at Section 12, Site 5186.
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