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 Sergeant Randy Leigh McConnell (ASN: US-54964390), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 May 1968. Sergeant McConnell distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader with Troop B, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during an assault against a North Vietnamese Army battalion which was entrenched in a heavily fortified position. When the leading squad of the 3d Platoon was pinned down by heavy interlocking automatic weapon and rocket propelled grenade fire from two enemy bunkers, Sergeant McConnell and two other members of his squad moved forward under a hail of enemy fire to destroy the bunkers with grenade and machine gun fire. Observing that his comrades were being fired on from a third enemy bunker covered by enemy gunners in one-man spider holes, Sergeant McConnell, with complete disregard for his safety and ignoring the warning of his comrades that he was moving into a bunker complex, assaulted and destroyed the position. Although exposed to intensive small arms and grenade fire from the bunkers and their mutually supporting emplacements, Sergeant McConnell continued his assault upon the bunkers which were impeding the advance of his unit. Sergeant McConnell single-handedly destroyed by rifle and grenade fire five enemy bunkers, killed eight enemy soldiers and captured seven weapons although wounded in the neck by a rocket propelled grenade. His dauntless courage and heroism inspired his platoon to resume the attack and to penetrate the enemy defensive position. Sergeant McConnell’s action at risk of his life has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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 the Silver Star to Sergeant Randy Leigh McConnell (ASN: US-54964390), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 April 1968. Sergeant McConnell distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader with Troop B, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during a reconnaissance in force operation near the village of Coa Bang, Republic of Vietnam. The Third Platoon was taken under fire by a dug-in North Vietnamese Army platoon and was pinned down in such a way that it could not advance. Sergeant McConnell realized that the only way to advance was to destroy two well-positioned enemy bunkers. Without regard for his own safety, he advanced on the first bunker under intense enemy fire and destroyed it. Although wounded in the head and shoulder, he continued to advance on the second bunker under heavy fire and destroyed the enemy in it with his rifle. This allowed his platoon to advance and continue its mission. Sergeant McConnell’s attack on the bunkers produced five enemy killed and one prisoner. Sergeant McConnell’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.