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McConnell, Joseph A.

Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Joseph A. McConnell was a member of the I&R Platoon, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division that took position on a hill near Lanzerath. They were confronted with the full might of the German attack on December 16th. The platoon was able to inflict heavy casualties among the Germans. They finally had to surrender when they ran out of ammunition.
McConnell was wounded and was made a POW in Fallingborstel.
Although McConnell didn't receive any medical aid he survived, like all members of the platoon.
For his actions near Lanzerath, he received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his wounds.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private
Unit:
Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, Headquarters Company, 394th Infantry regiment, 99th Infantry Division, U.S. Army
For action performed on 16 December 1944, near Lanzerath/Province of Liège, Belgium.

This award was obtained with an bronze "V" for Valor device to be attached on the ribbon of the award.
Citation unavailable.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)

Sources

  • - Kershaw A., Het Ardennenoffensief, Uitgeverij BZZTôH bv, 's Gravenhage, 2005
    - Rusiecki, S.M., The Key to the Bulge – The Battle for Losheimergraben, Stackpole Books, Mechanicsburg, U.S.A., 2009