Headquarters, I Field Force, Vietnam, General Orders No. 531 (June 21, 1968)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William J. Connolly (ASN: OF-104238), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Connolly distinguished himself by Exceptional gallantry in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 November 1967, while serving with Company C, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate), during an assault on Hill 875 near Dak To. After directing mortar strikes on the enemy positions Captain Connolly led his men forward. When his company came under heavy fire, Captain Connolly halted the men immediately and began to return the fire while ordering the firing of preplanned mortar concentration. When the company encountered fortified enemy positions, Captain Connolly called for flame throwers and gas grenades and personally supervised the clearing of the fortifications. He organized a line of troops which moved out, clearing enemy positions for the prone position in order to avoid the murderous enemy fire above their heads. Captain Connolly moved laterally across the enemy’s front, constantly exposing himself to fire in order to ensure that his men linked up properly. During the final phase of the attack, the enemy placed heavy mortar fire on the troops. Captain Connolly decided to move forward once more in a final assault. He rallied his battle weary troops and led them forward in an aggressive assault, which overran the hostile positions. Once the hill was taken, the company began to receive enemy fire from an adjacent ridge. Without regard for his own safety, Captain Connolly crawled forward under intense fire to direct an air strike which silenced the enemy positions. Captain Connolly refused to be medically evacuated himself, but supervised his men and the preparation for their evacuation. The indomitable spirit which he displayed throughout the entire operation inspired his men to attain the final victory on Hill 875. Captain Connolly’s personal courage and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.