Buried at A.B.M.C. Florence
  D-11-26   

Born:  at Olney, TX

Entered Service in the US Army from Lamesa, TX

Earned The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism September 14, 1944 at Mount Altuzzo, Italy

After bitter fighting Staff Sergeant Keathley's company advanced within 50 yards of the objective. The enemy launched three counterattacks in which all officers and noncommissioned officers of two platoons became casualties, and Staff Sergeant Keathley moved up and assumed command of both, reduced to 20 men. Low on ammunition, Keathley crawled from one casualty to another, collecting ammunition and administering first aid. The enemy launched a fourth counterattack. In a furious charge they attacked from the front and both flanks, throwing grenades, firing automatic weapons, and assisted by a mortar barrage. Time after time the enemy tried to drive a wedge into Sergeant Keathley's position and each time they were driven back, suffering huge casualties. An enemy grenade hit and exploded near Sergeant Keathley, inflicting a mortal wound in his left side. Hurling defiance at the enemy, he rose to his feet. Taking his left hand away from his wound and using it to steady his rifle, he fired and killed an attacking enemy soldier, and continued shouting orders to his men. For 15 minutes Staff Sergeant Keathley continued leading his men and effectively firing his rifle. Hours later he died of his numerous wounds.