One Man’s Courage, A Nation’s Gratitude: Remembering Allan J. Kellogg Jr.

Early Life and Struggles: Born on October 1, 1943, in Bethel, Connecticut, Allan Kellogg’s early years were marked by humble beginnings. He graduated from elementary school in 1958 and attended Bethel High School for two years before dropping out in 1959. Like many young men of his time, the call to serve came early. Driven perhaps by a sense of purpose or the search for direction, Kellogg enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 14, 1960, in Bridgeport, Connecticut—setting in motion a life dedicated to service and sacrifice.

Military Enlistment and Heroics: Kellogg’s journey through the Marine Corps began with recruit training at Parris Island, South Carolina, followed by combat training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He rose quickly through the ranks—from private first class to corporal by 1962. Over the years, he served in various leadership positions, including rifleman, fire team leader, and squad leader, across different Marine units.

His first deployment to Vietnam came in March 1966, where he served as a Weapons Platoon Sergeant and later as Company Supply NCO. After returning to the U.S., he continued to hone his leadership skills in multiple roles, including platoon commander. But it was during his second Vietnam tour in December 1969 that fate would place him in the crucible of combat, testing the very core of his bravery.

Defining Moment: On the night of March 11, 1970, Staff Sergeant Kellogg led a small unit evacuating a wounded Marine when they came under heavy enemy fire. Amid the chaos, an enemy grenade landed among the Marines—glancing off Kellogg’s chest. Without hesitation, he forced the grenade into the mud and threw himself over it, absorbing the full blast with his body.

Despite suffering severe injuries to his chest, right shoulder, and arm, Kellogg refused to quit. He continued directing his men, ensuring their safety and enabling the unit to return to the relative security of the company perimeter. His actions saved lives—demonstrating extraordinary valor and leadership in the face of certain death. For this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Post-War Life and Career: Following his recovery from injuries sustained in Vietnam, Kellogg returned to duty in December 1970 as an instructor at the Field Medical Service School in Camp Pendleton. He rose to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in 1972 and later became Sergeant Major, retiring in October 1990 after three decades of exemplary service.

In May 1984, Kellogg was given the solemn duty of designating the Unknown service member of the Vietnam War during a ceremony at Pearl Harbor—a reflection of the honor and trust he earned among his peers. (The remains were later identified in 1998 as Lt. Michael Blassie.)

After his military retirement, Kellogg continued serving veterans as a benefits counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he chose to reside.

Military Awards and Decorations: Throughout his distinguished military career, Kellogg received numerous awards for valor, leadership, and service, including:

These decorations stand not only as symbols of his battlefield gallantry but also as a testament to a lifetime of dedication and leadership.

Allan J. Kellogg Jr.’s story is one of rare courage, unshakable duty, and lifelong service. From a young dropout in Connecticut to one of the most honored Marines in American history, Kellogg’s journey inspires reverence. His bravery on the battlefield and commitment to his comrades, even after the guns went silent, reflect the highest ideals of the Marine Corps and the United States of America. In honoring his legacy, we remember not only a hero of war but a man of peace and purpose.