Chancenay memorial 9 17 09

PVT Arthur M. Connelly

  • Branch: Army
  • Hometown/City: NJ
  • Date of Birth:
  • Date of Death:
  • Conflict: WWII
  • Unit:
  • Port/Base:

Share Your Hero

Submit Profile Image

TRIBUTES

Honor your hero with thoughts, memories, images and stories.

  • Fb img 1491679835734

    Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting my father's brother Pvt. Arthur M. Connelly. It was nice finally finding information on him. Accounts from France where Arthur Connelly and Leonard Blume were KIA: here is the letter i got from the caretaker Dear Sir, Permit me to introduce myself. My name is Roger Doherty. I first met General Jimmy Leach in 1984 at the ceremony when the monument to your deceased relative and Leonard Blume was inaugurated. It was the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship with him that lasted until his death four years ago. Let me give you some details : Arthur Connelly was killed with Leonard Blume when a german artillery shell hit their tank. A third member by the name of Preston Mixon survived relatively unscathed. This action happened on August 30th 1944 when units of Patton's 4th Armored Division were in the process of liberating the city of Saint Dizier and the surrounding area. The then Lt Jimmy Leach was commanding the unit that your late relative was part of. He and Leonard Blume were the only men lost during this operation. Each year a memorial ceremony is held on August 30th. We would be happy to forward you additional information and photos of the monument commemorating your late relative's heroism and sacrifice. We would be happy to meet with you should you ever decide to come to France for a visit. To give you an idea of what the monument looks like, consult Google Map : 6 D635, Chancenay, Champagne-Ardenne. 217 Kms (about 130 Miles) due east of Paris via the Route Nationale 4. Chancenay is easily reached via the French Railroad System (SNCF) from the East Station (Gare de l'Est) destination Saint Dizier. Please feel free to contact me as the officials in Chancenay can't speak English fluently. Since 1984 my wife and I have been entrusted with the all communication with the US Veteran. Best wishes in 2014. Perhaps you will be among the many Americans who will be visiting France in the coming year for the 70th Anniversary commemoration ceremonies. Sincerely yours, Roger Doherty. http://jimmieleach.us

    Jean Connelly-Dammann , Niece
  • Fb img 1491679835734

    Jean Connelly-Dammann, Uncle