b. 1855 Boston, Massachusetts. d. ?
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 07/08/1876 Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Born in 1855 in Boston, Massachusetts, Connolly joined the Navy from that state. By August 7, 1876, he was serving as an ordinary seaman on the USS Plymouth. On that day, while Plymouth was in Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia, he rescued a civilian from drowning. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor weeks later, on August 24. He deserted from the Navy the next month, and nothing is known from him after his desertion.
MOH CITATION:
On board the U.S.S. Plymouth, Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia, 7 August 1876. Acting gallantly, Connolly succeeding in rescuing a citizen from drowning on this date.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.