William A. Connelly Inducted into Hall of Fame

Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired), William Arthur Connelly of Monticello, was inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame in Columbus on November 22.

Sergeant Major Connelly was cited for his outstanding leadership and service to soldiers and their families during his more than 33-year military career. He was the sixth of only 14 to date to ever achieve the rank, title, and position of Sergeant Major of the Army, the highest rank an Army enlisted person may achieve.

He was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Air Medal for Valor in Vietnam.

Among his many other awards while on active duty and in retirement is the Doughboy Award, which is presented annually to recognize an individual for his outstanding contributions to the United States (U.S.) Army Infantry.

Since 1954, Sergeant Major of the Army Connelly has faithfully and selflessly served our nation, military service members, and veterans, the announcement of the honor said.

Sergeant Major of the Army Connelly is the only Army Noncommissioned Officer to reach the highest enlisted rank and position from Georgia.

Seventeen additional heroes were inducted including nine from the U.S. Army; four from the U.S. Marine Corps; two from the U.S. Air Force; and two from the U.S. Navy. Of the 18 heroes inducted, 13 were for valor; four were for extraordinary service; and one was for significant achievement.

Nominations are now being sought for the Hall of Fame class of 2014. Visit the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame web site at http://www.GMVHOF.org for more details.