An element of TBM-1C Avengers of Torpedo Squadron VT-32 assigned to Light Carrier USS Langley flying south from their temporary training base at Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii, 3 Jan 1944. Note Ko'olau Mountains.

ARM3c Fred Kelly transferred to VT-32 at some point in late 1943. In mid-January 1944 he was aboard the USS Langley (CVL-27) as they headed for the Marshall Islands. On January 31st he flew one of his first combat missions (Aircraft Action Report #11) with pilot Ltjg Patterson, who came from VT-1 as well. Their assigned target was at Wotje atoll and they carried a single 2000-pound GP bomb in their bomb bay. They made their bomb run and then a couple strafing runs at which time they were hit by Japanese 12.7 mm Antiaircraft (AA) fire. Heroic actions by Petty Officer Kelly saved the day as described in the article below.

The Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro Tennessee) Sep 21st 1944

VT-32 flew extensive combat missions in the Marshalls, Palau, Bonins (Iwo Jima) and Marianas Islands from January through July of 1944. It's not known if Petty Officer Kelly was crewed with Ltjg Patterson this entire time or if he was on the mission when Ltjg Patterson was wounded over Iwo Jima. On July 7th 1944 Petty Officer Kelly left VT-32. He was transferred to the USS Cowpens (CVL-25) from the USS Langley while they were at anchor at Eniwetok (Marshall Islands).

USS Cowpens (CVL-25) muster report July 8th 1944

Fred Kelly, Jr