Paul Connell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Paul Connell (0-498228), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 884th Field Artillery Battalion, 70th Infantry Division, from 17 February to 6 March 1945, near Oetingen and Forbach, France. When the assault of Company B, 276th Infantry Regiment, was seriously threatened by attacking enemy tanks, Lieutenant Connell, disregarding the heavy enemy mortar and artillery fire, moved to the open crest of a hill from where he adjusted the fire of three artillery battalions. The barrage thus laid upon the enemy stopped the attack and knocked out the tank. Despite wounds sustained on 3 March, Lieutenant Connell continued on duty and, on 6 March, when the company had moved up to fill a gap in the front lines, he made his way through hostile mortar, artillery and small arms fire to a forward observation post, from which he directed an effective artillery barrage against the enemy until he was seriously wounded. His gallant action through the entire period was an inspiration to all and was a substantial contribution to the company’s success.