World War II Honoree

Robert V. Connolly

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Peekskill, New York

Honored By

A Grateful American

MAJOR; ENTERED THE ARMY AS AN ENLISTED MAN FEBRUARY 20, 1941. HE WAS COMMISSIONED ON MAY 1, 1942 AFTER ATTENDING OFFICERS CANDIDATE SCHOOL. HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 129TH INFANTRY AT CAMP FORREST AND JOINED THE 123RD INFANTRY REGIMENT WHEN IT WAS ACTIVATED. HE COMMANDED COMPANY C FOR TWO YEARS AND BECAME EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE 1ST BATTALION. ON LUZON, HE COMMANDED TWO SPECIAL TASK FORCES, ONE OPERATING IN THE DINGALAN BAY AREA AND THE OTHER OPERATION WHICH CAPTURED APARRI. CAMPAIGNS: NEW GUINEA, LUZON. AWARDS: COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, SILVER STAR MEDAL, LEGION OF MERIT, BRONZE STAR MEDAL.