The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Stephen Robert Connelly, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Commander, 352d Special Operations Group, Royal Air Force Alconbury and Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, from 13 July 1994 to 7 May 1996. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Connelly resulted in significant contributions to the conduct of special operations in the European theater of operations. Colonel Connelly led his command through a phenomenally turbulent period which included the move of the 1,000 man group from Royal Air Force Alconbury to Royal Ai Force Mildenhall, a second and third year of deployment to Brindisi, Italy, in support of Operations DENY FLIGHT and JOINT ENDEAVOR, and a high speed evacuation of over 2,100 non combatants from the United States Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia. In every effort, excellence in planning and execution were the trademark for the group. Tact and leadership in team building ensured resolution of standing issues during the beddown at Mildenhall. Mission focus and initiative at Brindisi ensured highly responsive, phenomenally capable, and consistently praised air support of Operations DENY FLIGHT, PROVIDE PROMISE, SHARP GUARD, and JOINT ENDEAVOR. Warrior-like leadership with a razor edge risk balance delivered 2,100 non combatants safely from Liberia to Senegal. A maximum effort from every element of the 352d Special Operations Group won international appreciation for United States efforts as Air Force Special Operations Command forces evacuated citizens from 82 different countries. Adding to an impressive list of operational accomplishments, he also led his group to an “Excellent” on Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Team Inspection and received the highest Quality Air Force score for any active duty Air Force Special Operations Command unit at the time. On top of this, the group has amassed dozens of individual and functional area awards including the Outstanding United States Air Force Maintenance Squadron of the Year in their category for 1994. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Connelly reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Stephen Robert Connelly, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Director of Operations, Directorate of Operations, Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida, from 30 May 1996 to 30 June 2000. In this key assignment, the decisive leadership, impeccable personal character and integrity, boundless enthusiasm and energy, loyalty, trust, and dedicated effort consistently demonstrated by Colonel Connelly resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of Air Force Special Operations Command. An incredibly superior leader, he flawlessly coordinated and directed support for Operations DELIBERATE GUARD in Bosnia, NORTHERN WATCH and SOUTHERN WATCH In Iraq, and GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL in Zaire. As the command’s point man, this ‘Special Operator’ spent countless hours monitoring the 26 special operations aircraft, flying 1,450 sorties firing 4,800 rounds of ammunition and dropping over one hundred million leaflets to Serbian targets. He astutely anticipated the requirement for a gunship plus up and deftly coordinated with the European theater to ensure no shortfalls were encountered. He was the driving force to ensure our special operations forces were properly trained and equipped for Kosovo. As a direct result of his dedicated efforts. Air Force Special Operations Forces successfully rescued two downed pilots; a crowning moment for Air Force Special Operations Command. The quintessential inspirational speaker. Colonel Connelly was in demand by this command and several other major commands to share his views on loyalty, trust, leadership, and the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Connelly culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.