Martin F. Connelly

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Martin F. Connelly, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Bois d’Etrayes, France, October 23, 1918. During a counterattack Private Connelly, under heavy enemy machine-gun fire took the place of a gunner who had been wounded. He served this gun in its advanced position until forced by heavy fire and casualties to withdraw to a position with the company it was assisting. After serving the gun until the enemy attack was repulsed, Private Connelly voluntarily returned through the heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and carried the wounded gunner to a place of safety.