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The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private James B. McConnell, United States Army, for most distinguished gallantry on 4 December 1899, while serving with Company B, 33d Infantry, U.S. Volunteers, in action at Vigan, Luzon, Philippine Islands. Private McConnell fought for hours lying between two dead comrades, notwithstanding his hat was pierced, his clothing plowed through by bullets, and his face cut and bruised by flying gravel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1918
    GHQ, 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), First Lieutenant (Infantry) James B. McConnell, 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 the 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Lieutenant McConnell displayed great gallantry in action near les Franquettes Farm on 23 July 1918, when he continued to command his platoon after having a part of his face shot away by a machine gun bullet. Lieutenant McConnell later died of his wounds.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1918
    War Department, General Orders 87 (1919), Amended Supplement 1

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) James B. McConnell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Les Franquettes Farm, France, 23 July 1918. First Lieutenant McConnell continued in command of his platoon after having part of his face shot away by a machine-gun bullet. He later died of his wound.