Joseph Edward Connolly

He served in the United States Navy 1927 to 1930 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps March 9, 1936. Connolly attained the grade of Corporal by 1942 and took part in the assault on Guadalcanal, first American amphibious operation of the war.

During the bitter fight for the island, Connolly and his men bore the brunt of a heavy Japanese assault along the Matanikau River October 9, 1942. For his extraordinary bravery in this action, Corporal Connolly received the Navy Cross posthumously. Describing his gallantry, his citation reads in part:

Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Corporal Connolly refused to be dislodged from his position, and after exacting a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post.

Joseph E. Connolly (DE-450) was named in his honor. She was laid down April 6, 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey; launched August 6, 1944; sponsored by Miss Cecilia C. Connolly, sister of Corporal Connolly; and commissioned February 28, 1945, Lt. Comdr. M. C. Walley in command.

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
• Joseph Edward Connolly