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Casualty Info
Home Town Madison, IL
Last Address Madison, IL
Casualty Date Mar 28, 1945
Cause KIA-Body Not Recovered
Reason Other Explosive Device
Location South China Sea
Conflict World War II
Location of Interment Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial - Honolulu, Hawaii
Wall/Plot Coordinates Court 5 (cenotaph)
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Commander Connole was the Commanding Officer of the USS Trigger (SS-237) when it was lost.
USS Trigger (SS-237) began her 12th war patrol 11 March 1945. She made attacks on the 18th and the 20th. On 26 March she was ordered to join a "wolf pack" to attack Japanese shipping. She radioed a weather report that day and was never heard from again. She may have fallen victim to a Japanese air and ship attack, but her fate is unknown. Commander Connole was listed as missing in action and later declared dead 21 April 1946.
Comments/Citation:
Silver Star
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Pompano (SS-181)
General Orders: Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01623 (July 11, 1943)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant David Rickart Connole (NSN: 0-77013), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181), during three successful and aggressive War Patrols which resulted in the sinking of an important amount of enemy shipping. During one severe and prolonged depth charge attack, when driven well below test depth and with an excessive amount of water flooded into the ship, his calm and capable performance of duty under extremely adverse conditions made it possible to work the ship off the bottom and after surfacing 1,000 yards from a light house at the entrance to an enemy harbor, to successfully clear the enemy patrol and return to port. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Silver Star
General Orders: Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 0373 (February 16, 1948)
Action Date: July 19 - September 12, 1942
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Diving Officer
Division: U.S.S. Pompano (SS-181)
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant David Rickart Connole (NSN: 0-77013), United States Navy, for outstanding courage, intrepidity, skill and resourcefulness at his battle station as Diving Officer of the U.S.S. POMPANO (SS-181) during the THRID War Patrol of that Submarine in Japanese Empire waters from 19 July to 12 September 1942, which resulted in the credited sinking of a freighter, destroyer and patrol vessel. During one severe and prolonged depth charge attack when driven well below test depth and with an excessive amount of water flooded into the ship, Lieutenant Connole's calm and capable performance of duty under extremely adverse conditions made it possible to work POMPANO off the bottom and after surfacing 1,000 yards from a light house at the entrance to an enemy harbor, to successfully clear the enemy patrol and return to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
To My Dearest Family Some things I'd like to say, but first of all to let you know that I arrived okay I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with God above where there's no more tears or sadness there is just eternal love Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night That day I had to leave you when my life on Earth was through God picked me up and hugged me and He said I welcome you It's good to have you back again you were missed while you were gone as for your dearest family they'll be here later on I need you here so badly as part of My big plan there's so much that we have to do to help our mortal man Then God gave me a list of things He wished for me to do and foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you And I will be beside you every day and week and year and when you're sad I'm standing there to wipe away the tear And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night When you think of my life on Earth and all those loving years because you're only human they are bound to bring you tears But do not be afraid to cry it does relieve the pain remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain I wish that I could tell you of all that God has planned but if I were to tell you you wouldn't understand But one thing is for certain though my life on Earth is o're I am closer to you now than I ever was before And to my very many friends trust God knows what is best I'm still not far away from you I'm just beyond the crest There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb but together we can do it taking one day at a time It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too that as you give unto the World so the World will give to you If you can help somebody who is in sorrow or in pain then you can say to God at night my day was not in vain And now I am contented that my life it was worthwhile knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile So if you meet somebody who is down and feeling low just lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go When you are walking down the street and you've got me on your mind I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind And when you feel the gentle breeze or the wind upon your face that's me giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace And when it's time for you to go from that body to be free remember you're not going you are coming here to me And I will always love you from that land way up above Will be in touch again soon P.S. God sends His Love
