Project Hero

QandO has the next Silver Star recipient tribute up on their site.



Our hero this week is SGT Timothy Conners, Silver Star

Connors was cited for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy” while serving as 3d Squad Leader, 2d Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Central in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Nov. 10-15, 2004.

“As 2d Platoon came under heavy enemy fire from concealed positions on three sides, he effectively directed the fire of the squad as the platoon attempted to move into surrounding buildings for cover,” Connors’s citation reads. “When the squad entered a building for cover, the first Marine in the door was mortally wounded by several enemies who were defending a heavily fortified machine gun position.”

At this point, Connors and other non-commissioned officers re-entered the building, only to be forced back by the enemy.

“He directed the use of improvised explosive devices and a shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapon to create a secondary breach and eliminate the enemy position,” Connors’scitation states. “When it was evident the improvised explosive devices and rocket failed to penetrate the enemy stronghold, he led a group of non-commissioned officers of 2d Platoon into the enemy stronghold. Under intense enemy machine gun fire and without regard to his own personal safety, he eliminated the enemy with hand grenades and deadly accurate small arms fire at close proximity. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

Connors appeared on the cover of the August, 2005 issue of Popular Mechanics and was quoted in the magazine’s seven page cover story, “Lessons From Iraq,” written by Owen West and Bing West.

“I’m happy about the (Silver Star) nomination, but personally I think everyone deserves something like that,” he said in the story. “I didn’t do anything more than anyone else did. I didn’t do anything less, either. As much as I appreciate it, I think everyone deserves to be recognized by something like that.”