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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant George Murdock Connell (MCSN: 0-89342), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service in connection with operations against the insurgent communist (Viet Cong) Forces while serving with the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, from 6 April 1965 to 12 October 1966, in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Connell consistently performed his duties in a highly competent and professional manner. As a Platoon Commander, he was often assigned the mission of lead element for the Company during enemy contacts. Under heavy small arms and mortar fire, Lieutenant Connell led his platoon aggressively and effectively, and contributed greatly to the successful operations of the Company. Lieutenant Connell voluntarily extended his overseas tour for a period of six months to remain in Vietnam with a rifle company. Using the tactical experience and knowledge he had gained, Lieutenant Connell confidently assumed the added responsibilities of a rifle company commander. Lieutenant Connell, while exposing himself to many dangerous, continually provided personal example and guidance for the officers and men of his company to mold a highly professional and efficient unit. Under his dynamic leadership, the company participated successfully in many large operations and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. Lieutenant Connell’s singular determination and dedication to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (First Lieutenant Connell is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    May 21, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant George Murdock Connell (MCSN: 0-89342), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, on 21 May 1966, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. When a Marine rifle squad came under intense fire and sustained heavy casualties from an estimated reinforced Viet Cong company, First Lieutenant Connell daringly led a combined tank-infantry assault on the flank of the numerically superior enemy force. Due to his quick actions, the enemy was forced to shift their fire from the beleaguered squad to the tank and infantry unit. Although the difficult terrain halted the tank advance, First Lieutenant Connell aggressively continued the attack, routing the entrenched Viet Cong and personally killing six of the enemy. As the remainder of the Viet Cong force withdrew across a small river, they continued to direct heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire on the pursuing Marines. Quickly linking forces with the Marine squad, First Lieutenant Connell directed highly effective air strikes and artillery fire on the Viet Cong, forcing them to break contact. As a result of his aggressive leadership and presence of mind, despite intense enemy fire, the combined Marine force killed thirty-seven enemy soldiers during the fierce fire fight. Although painfully wounded by fragment in the neck and arm, First Lieutenant Connell directed the expeditious evacuation of the wounded, refusing evacuation for himself until his unit had returned to friendly lines. His courageous actions at great personal risk undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the mission. By his inspiring leadership, bold initiative and steadfast devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Connell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.