Thomas F. Kelly enlisted in Company A, August 13, 1862, at the age of seventeen years, and in September, after the battle of Shepherdstown, was made acting corporal; was appointed sergeant after the battle of Fredericksburg in December, 1862; left general guide in October, 1863; first sergeant May, 1864; promoted first lieutenant May, 1865, and with other officers and men transferred by general orders to the 91st Pennsylvania Volunteers, but, there being no vacancies in that regiment, was mustered out to date with that of the 118th. He took part in every battle, skirmish and march in which the regiment was engaged, and was never off duty excepting a ten days' furlough in February, 1865.
["Sketch", in History of the 118th Pennsylvania Volunteers, Corn Exchange Regiment, from their first engagement at Antietam to Appomattox, to which is added a record of its organization and a complete roster. Fully illustrated with maps, portraits, and over one hundred illustrations. With addenda.. By the Survivors' Association 118th (Corn Exchange) Regt., P.V. Philadelphia, PA: J. L. Smith, Map Publisher, 1905. Page 649]