Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal John Connors (ASN: 551429), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the river bank, near Chateau-Thierry, France, 15 July 1918. Corporal Connors commanded a squad that kept two machine-guns in operation to prevent Germans landing until all in the group were killed. He was the last to fall, being shot as he was in the act of throwing a hand grenade into a boat filled with the enemy.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Corporal John Connors (ASN: 551429), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, on the River Marne, near Chateau-Thierry, France, on 15 July 1918, Corporal Connors kept two automatic rifles in operation under machine gun fire. His squad remained at its post until all were killed. He was struck with a machine gun bullet while in the act of throwing a grenade into a German boat. The grenade exploded in his hand causing his death. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]