WASHINGTON (AP) -- Retired Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Kelly, the Pentagon spokesman during the Persian Gulf War, died of cancer Tuesday at his home in Clifton, Va. He was 67.
Kelly retired from the Army in 1991.During the 1991 gulf war, Kelly served as the director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff under the command of Gen. Colin Powell and was responsible for a daily press briefing. He also played a key role in the planning and execution of military operations during Desert Storm.
Through his briefings, Kelly was seen by reporters and television viewers alike as blunt, funny and totally believable. As the direct link between Powell and the heads of each of the armed services, Kelly was overqualified for the job of a mere briefer, and it enhanced his credibility.
Kelly didn't start facing throngs of reporters until 1989, when he conducted news briefings during the invasion of Panama.
During his 34 years in the military, Kelly served as commander of the U.S. Army Security Affairs Command; commander of Fort Dix, N.J.; director of the Joint Special Operations Agency of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and in NATO as War Plans Officer, Allied Forces Southern Europe. Kelly also served in Vietnam as operations officer for the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division.
In Vietnam, his helicopter was shot down four times and crashed six times. He was wounded once.
Kelly's awards and decorations included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, three awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Bronze Stars with "V" and the Purple Heart. In 1995, he was awarded the American Legion's Distinguished Service Medal.