LIEUTENANT GERALD MARTIN CONNORS, Unites States Navy. For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of LCI (G) 469, attached to LCI (G) Group EIGHT, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the close-in fire support operations against Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on February 17, 1945. Vigilant and determined, Lieutenant (then Lieutenant Junior Grade) Connors penetrated the spreading curtain of devastating gunfire from powerful Japanese coastal positions to close the beach and deliver a steady barrage, blasting the enemy’s fortifications with unrelenting aggressiveness for more than an hour. With his firepower reduced as operational casualties disabled his main battery, he steadfastly remained on station and intensified the rate of fire from his 20-mm guns until the heavy battery was again in operation. Ordered to withdraw from the field of combat when fires flared and the 469 began shipping water as a result of enemy gunfire, he effected damage control in a matter of minutes and, voluntarily returning to the firing line, again closed the beach in bold defiance of the pounding fury of Japanese shore batteries and continued to bombard defensive positions, persistently delivering heavy and short range fire despite additional hits and increasing personnel casualties resulting from the incessant counterfire. By his dauntless courage, indomitable fighting spirit and outstanding professional skill, Lieutenant Connors contributed materially to the success of this extremely hazardous mission and his valiant leadership throughout upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

John Connors, from Toledo, OH, enrolled his desceased uncle, Lieutenant Gerald Marin Connors, NC into the Legion of Valor in 2003.