- SURNAME
Connolly
- FORENAME
Joseph Edward
- UNIT
1 Raider Bn (Company A)
- RANK
Corporal
- NUMBER
251799
- DATE OF DEATH
9th October 1942
- AGE
33
- GRAVESITE
National Memorial Cemetery,Honolulu,Hawaii Plot A Row O Grave 350
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 01.06.1909
from New York
Next of kin - Father, Mr. Francis Connolly, 2127 37th Street, Astoria, Long Island City, New York
award Navy Cross
KIA Guadalcanal,BSI
DATE OF DEATH:
09-Oct-1942AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/connolly-joseph-e.29712/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Joseph E. Connolley (MCSN: 251799), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 8 - 9 October 8 - 9, 1942. When his Battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Corporal Connolly and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Corporal Connolly refused to be dislodged from his position and, after exacting a tremendous toll on the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
FINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56127471/joseph-edward-connolly
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