Navy Federal Credit Union

David Connole graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1936.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pompano (SS-181)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01623 (July 11, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant David Rickart Connole (NSN: 0-77013), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181), during three successful and aggressive War Patrols which resulted in the sinking of an important amount of enemy shipping. During one severe and prolonged depth charge attack, when driven well below test depth and with an excessive amount of water flooded into the ship, his calm and capable performance of duty under extremely adverse conditions made it possible to work the ship off the bottom and after surfacing 1,000 yards from a light house at the entrance to an enemy harbor, to successfully clear the enemy patrol and return to port. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Pompano (SS-181)

    Action Date:

    July 19 – September 12, 1942

    Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 0373 (February 16, 1948)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant David Rickart Connole (NSN: 0-77013), United States Navy, for outstanding courage, intrepidity, skill and resourcefulness at his battle station as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181) during the THRID War Patrol of that Submarine in Japanese Empire waters from 19 July to 12 September 1942, which resulted in the credited sinking of a freighter, destroyer and patrol vessel. During one severe and prolonged depth charge attack when driven well below test depth and with an excessive amount of water flooded into the ship, Lieutenant Connole’s calm and capable performance of duty under extremely adverse conditions made it possible to work POMPANO off the bottom and after surfacing 1,000 yards from a light house at the entrance to an enemy harbor, to successfully clear the enemy patrol and return to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.