More than 16 years after flying into enemy fire to rescue wounded service members in Afghanistan, retired U.S. Army Maj. Michael “Mike” Connelly has been recognized at home in North Alabama for his heroism.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong presented Connelly, an Owens Cross Roads resident, with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Valor during a ceremony this week attended by Connelly’s family.
The medals recognize two separate medical evacuation missions Connelly flew as a UH-60 Black Hawk MEDEVAC pilot and team leader with C Company, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment during Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Major Mike Connelly put his own life on the line to save fellow American service members during his time in Afghanistan,” Strong said. “His bravery and dedication to our country are deserving of the highest recognition.
“It was a tremendous honor to present him with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with Valor, and even more special to have his family there to witness the moment. North Alabama is fortunate to call Major Connelly one of our own, and I’m grateful for his service and sacrifice.”
The Army’s official record of Connelly’s Distinguished Flying Cross details a May 25, 2010, mission near Bala Morghab, Afghanistan, after an American combat reconnaissance patrol was ambushed by more than 50 insurgents. The soldiers were surrounded, running low on ammunition and water, and had wounded personnel who needed evacuation.
Connelly, then a captain, led two helicopter crews toward the fight.
According to the Army’s account, Connelly directed the aircraft to fly over enemy lines in an effort to draw fire away from the soldiers on the ground and expose insurgent positions. His helicopter then landed as machine-gun fire struck around the landing zone.
Connelly remained there for approximately three minutes while his crew evacuated the wounded and delivered desperately needed water. He then coordinated a second helicopter’s delivery of ammunition and other supplies to the pinned-down unit.
The Army credited Connelly and his team with saving the lives of the Special Operations forces caught in the attack and helping turn the tide of the battle. His Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized in 2014.
His Air Medal with “V” Device stems from another rescue just weeks earlier.
On March 8, 2010, Connelly’s crew received an urgent request to evacuate a critically wounded Marine while ground forces were engaged with 20 to 30 insurgents. The Army’s account relays Connelly launched before receiving final approval because of the severity of the Marine’s injuries.
As his helicopter approached the landing zone, the crew came under small-arms and machine-gun fire, with rocket-propelled grenades striking the ground nearby.
Connelly stayed on the ground until the wounded Marine and his crew were safely aboard before flying the Marine to a forward surgical team. The Army said the mission was planned in less than 10 minutes and credited Connelly’s actions with saving the Marine’s life.
Connelly was previously inducted into the Madison County Hall of Heroes in recognition of his military service.
Since retiring from the Army, Connelly has also shared another part of his story through “Clark the Super Service Dog,” a children’s book inspired by the service dog that helped him following his military career.
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