The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John A. McConnell (ASN: 0-246796), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Waegwan, Korea, on 19 September 1950. While the Third Battalion was in an assembly area in preparation for crossing the Naktong River, he established his observation post on an exposed point on the river bank and refused to move to a more covered but less advantageous position, despite the intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons, anti-tank, mortar, and artillery fire which fell about him. The enemy fire increased in intensity as the main body of his command moved forward, forcing the troops to take cover. Despite the extremely heavy fire he, with utter disregard for personal safety, leaped form his observation post and moved some 300 yards through the artillery and mortar impact area to the lead elements of his battalion. By example and gesture he encouraged his men to their feet and led them some 400 yards upstream through an unmarked mine field and selected an alternate crossing site not under heavy fire, from which position he launched a successful crossing. Lieutenant Colonel McConnell’s exemplary courage, gallant leadership, and professional ability displayed throughout this action reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Infantry.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) John A. McConnell (ASN: 0-246796), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hung-hae, Korea, on 4 September 1950. During his battalion’s attack against strong enemy hilltop positions, Company K was held up by intense fire and sustained numerous casualties, threatening the success of the entire attack. With utter disregard for his own safety he moved unhesitantly under heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire to an exposed position in order to better direct his command’s activities. From his own observation he redeployed Company K and personally directed its successful assault. His courageous example was an inspiration to his command and reflect the greatest credit on himself and the United States Infantry.