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Bartholomew
J.
Connolly
, III
March 6, 1921

–

August 29, 1997

Bartholomew Connolly graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1943. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Division:

    U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34)

    Action Date:

    May 8 – November 26, 1965
    All Hands (February 1967)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Bartholomew J. Connolly, III, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 8 May to 26 November 1965, as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. ORISKANY (CVA-34), for his part in the development of new procedures and tactics which enabled his pilots to continue to carry out their missions despite the introduction of enemy surface-to-air missiles.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Action Date:

    January 14 – 15 & February 1 – 2, 1943

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Bartholomew J. Connolly, III, United States 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.