A Hero Remembered, A Nation Reminded
“… John was so young, so strong, so committed to helping others. And just like that, he was gone…The Holy Spirit is in charge. I just hope I’m still around when they unveil the statue.”
Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) John Connors, a Navy SEAL, was killed in 1989 during Operation Just Cause. He was an impressive scholar and athlete. A proud graduate of Boston College High and Worcester Polytechnic Institute with his commission from the College of the Holy Cross Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), he was exceptionally gifted in Latin, Greek, Spanish, and German. He played town sports: football, soccer, hockey, and baseball. He was also a marathoner and triathlete.
While recovering from a serious infection in the hospital, he volunteered to stop medical treatment to deploy to Panama. He was killed while protecting his squad from heavy fire. John was 25 years old.
An excerpt from his Silver Star Medal citation reads:
“When a fierce engagement with Panamanian Defense Forces inflicted heavy casualties on the lead SEAL platoon, LTJG Connors, in the face of enemy fire, led his squad in a counter-attack to suppress enemy fire and cover the movement of his wounded teammates to a safe area. With full knowledge of the present danger, he inspired his fellow platoon members by directing fire and aggressively firing his weapon into enemy positions. While leading his men, LTJG Connors was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His heroic leadership saved lives and helped minimize further casualties.”
An excerpt from remarks by General Christopher J. Mahoney, USMC and Holy Cross NROTC-mate of John’s.
“I was immensely saddened, crushed even, when I heard of John’s death in those young days. And I remember standing at attention in the cold rain as he was laid to rest. But I also remember that as a true warrior John went in fighting and went out the same way – a SEAL’s way, a warrior’s way.”
John Connors’ heroism was selfless. A true hero takes action to fulfill a noble purpose, even with full knowledge of the present danger, and expects nothing in return.
This sacrifice deserves to be remembered.
Your donation brings this memorial to life.
Reader’s Digest article by Malcom McConnell, October, 1990 issue
To read full article go to www.navyfrogmen.com/profile5.html
“Connors, in the face of enemy fire, led his squad in a counter-attack to suppress enemy fire and cover the movement of his wounded teammates to a safe area.”
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