The Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award is presented annually by the USILA to the top college goaltender in NCAA Divisions I, II, and III.
Starting in 1990, the award has also been presented to the top women's goaltender in NCAA Divisions I, II & III.
At that time, with World War II imminent, he left school to become a pilot in the US Navy.
Flying a Grumman F4F Wildcat on an escort mission for the carrier's bombers at the Battle of Midway, he failed to return from the initial strike, and was reported missing in action on June 4, 1942.
The foundation has also provided grants for schools, colleges, youth programs and other civic and cultural institutions, as well as funding for American Legion posts, one of which has been named in his honor.