Gerald W. Connolly
BOSCAWEN - Gerald W. 'Bill'Connolly, 52, of Eel Street in
Boscawen died Friday, Feb. 11, 2005, at his home. Mr. Connolly was a decorated veteran and he was
serving with the U.S. Coast Guard as a chief petty officer stationed in Boston. He was serving
under the direction of Commander Steven Little, awaiting overseas duty. Following graduation from
high school, Mr. Connolly enlisted in the U. S. Navy where he served proudly as a combat corpsman.
During his tour of duty, Connolly (also known as 'Doc' to his fellow servicemen) assisted in the
evacuation of U.S. citizens and allies from South Vietnam. In 1975, he was a part of a unit that
responded to the seizure of the American ship Mayaguez by the Khmer Rouge off the
coast of Cambodia. Mr. Connolly's U.S. Coast Guard service included deployment as part of the U.S.
humanitarian response to the Cuban boat crisis. His meritorious service also included a port
security assignment with a special unit of the Coast Guard stationed in the Persian Gulf during
the first Gulf War. In recognition of his service and valor, he was awarded a Coast Guard
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon with two gold stars, a Navy Commendation, a National Defense
Service Award and a Republic of Vietnam Humanitarian Medal. He was also publicly recognized for
his participation in search and rescue missions at sea with the Coast Guard. Mr. Connolly will be
buried with full military honors. His service will be honored by a grateful nation, he will be
fondly remembered by all his military family and he will be remembered with love by Mark and
Gerald and so many others. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to U.S. Coast
Guard Morale Fund, PSU-301 Building 5205, Air Station Cape Cod, Mass. 02542.
03/03/05 Submitted by: CPO Priestman
