World War II Honoree

William E. Connolly, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Los Angeles, California

Honored By

Rick & Wendy Payne

Relationship

Neighbor

STAFF SERGEANT (19078633). SERVED WITH 384TH BOMB GROUP, 41ST COMBAT WING, 1ST DIVISION OF THE 8TH ARMY AIR FORCES IN ENGLAND. SERVED AS A BALL TURRET GUNNER ON B-17G. SUFFERED LOSS OF OXYGEN AT HIGH ALTITUDE AND WAS RESUSCITATED BY CREW MEMBERS OVER BERLIN. DISCHARGED AS DISABLED FROM BUCKLEY REGIONAL HOSPITAL, DENVER, COLORADO. RECEIVED DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, THREE AIR MEDALS, EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS MEDAL WITH 1 BATTLE STAR FOR THE NORMANDY, FRANCE D-DAY AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL.