Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant] George Albert O’Connell, Jr. (NSN: 0-75413), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Maine Battery Control Officer on board the U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY off Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, on the night of 11 – 12 October 1942. Commander O’Connell controlled the fire of the main battery so courageously and skillfully that great damage was inflicted upon the enemy force in the number of ships sunk. Although his ship was under terrific fire of enemy ships, with many shells exploding around his station, he was never shaken and continued to control the battery in a highly efficient manner. He was directly responsible for the fire discipline, target designation and battery performance during the entire action. Even though one man was killed and seven wounded he remained cool and discharged his responsibilities with skill and determination. His courage and determination to inflict damage upon the enemy were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Salt Lake City (CA-25)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 39 (August 17, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] George Albert O’Connell, Jr. (NSN: 0-75413), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Main Battery Control Officer of the U.S.S. SALT LAKE CITY (CA-25), during operations of U.S. Naval Forces against superior surface units. In the face of heavy enemy fire during a long engagement, he selected targets and directed the Main Battery fire of his vessel so effectively that heavy damage was inflicted on the enemy. He kept cognizant of the general tactical situation and location of all enemy units throughout the long engagement and provided invaluable information and suggestions to ship control. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hambleton (DMS-20)

    Action Date:

    April 1 – September 2, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander George Albert O’Connell, Jr. (NSN: 0-75413), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HAMBLETON (DMSA-20) during action against the enemy from 1 April to 2 September 1945, including the rescue operations on 24 June 1945. Commander O’Connell effected the rescue of four officers and eight men from the crashed Navy Plane, PBM K-2, in rough seas, and during an air alert while under threat of attack by enemy planes on 24 June 1945, north of Kerrama Rhetto in the Okinawa Group. (Commander O’Connell is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)