Joseph Edward Connolly

Infobox Military Person
name = Joseph Edward Connolly
born = birth date|1904|6|1
died = death date and age|1942|10|9|1904|6|1
placeofbirth = New York City
placeofdeath = Guadalcanal


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1927-1930 1936-1942
rank = Corporal
branch = United States Navy United States Marine Corps
unit =
battles = World War II *Guadalcanal campaign
awards = Navy Cross

Joseph Edward Connolly was born 1 June, 1904 in New York City.

Navy and Marine Corps career

He served in the United States Navy 1927 to 1930 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps 9 March, 1936. "Connolly" attained the grade of Corporal by 1942 and took part in the assault on Guadalcanal, first American amphibious operation of the war.

Awarded the Navy Cross

During the bitter fight for the island, "Connolly" and his men bore the brunt of a heavy Japanese assault along the Matanikau River 9 October, 1942. For his extraordinary bravery in this action, "Corporal Connolly" received the Navy Cross posthumously. Describing his gallantry, his citation reads in part:

:"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 of the enemy, heroically died at his post."

Namesake

"Joseph E. Connolly" (DE-450) was named in his honor. She was laid down 6 April, 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey; launched 6 August, 1944; sponsored by Miss Cecilia C. Connolly, sister of Corporal Connolly; and commissioned 28 February, 1945, Lt. Comdr. M. C. Walley in command.

ee also

References

*DANFS
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/j4/joseph_e_connolly.htm Joseph Edward Connolly]