Kelley was on only his second mission out of Bassingbourn on September 5th 1944 when problems began en route to the target Ludwigshaven. No 3 engine of 'My Baby' quit due to loss of fuel and then No 4 was taken out by heavy flak. His Group leader instructed him to abort and try to land in liberated France but they were then attacked by fighters, the tail gunner killed and the rudder destroyed. When they were down to 6,000 ft Kelley gave the order to bail out. He was shot at as he descended 'I looked up to see six holes in my canopy' and was shadowed by his own B-17 spiralling down. The plane loaded with incendiaries fortunately landed in a field before it exploded. Kelley was greatly relieved when he heard voices speaking French and he learned tha some of the crew were already safe in the hands of the French Resistance. Ony one of the crew was taken prisoner that day, the remaing eight - including Kelley- evaded.