Bartholomew J. Connolly III

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Bartholomew J. Connolly, III, Ensign, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN (PT-115), which engaged a force of Japanese cruisers and destroyers off the Guadalcanal coast on the night of 14 – 15 January 1943. Ensign Connolly by his skill and daring made a direct torpedo hit on one enemy destroyer from close range sinking or seriously damaging it thereby. On the night of 1 – 2 February 1943, in company with PT-59 and PT-37, he engaged a similar Japanese force. The group found themselves surrounded by twelve enemy destroyers. Ensign Connolly with great determination and daring closed one of them to within 500 yards scoring two torpedo hits. He fired his two remaining torpedoes at another ship with unobserved results and made good his escape through a rain of enemy shells with no casualties. The exceptional bravery, aggressive leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Ensign Connolly were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.