Purple Heart Award is given to Soldier after surviving attack during Operation Epic Fury
At the time of the attack, Connolly was serving with the 1st Theater Sustainment Command Operational Command Post. On the night of March 1, 2026, his outpost was struck during a fierce enemy assault by a one-way attack drone launched from a hidden hostile position. In the heat of battle, he demonstrated remarkable courage, calmness, and commitment to his mission while suffering wounds from the hostile strike.
"Receiving this award is bittersweet," Connolly said. "It is impossible to separate this medal from the loss of my teammates. I hold this honor not for myself, but as a commitment to never let their names or sacrifices be forgotten."
The six fallen teammates Connolly honored during his remarks are Maj. Jeffrey O’Brian, Maj. Cody Khork, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan, Master Sgt. Noha Tietjens, Master Sgt. Nicole Amor, and Sgt. Declan Coady. These fellow Soldiers lost their lives during the same hostile engagement. He stressed that their memory must always remain at the forefront of any recognition he receives for his service.
The decorated officer credited his close personal circle of family and friends with helping him navigate the challenging path to physical and emotional recovery. Connolly expressed profound gratitude to his family and closest friends, explaining that healing from combat trauma is a complex, non-linear process. He emphasized that their enduring patience, love, and constant presence were essential to carrying him through his darkest days.
Beyond his immediate family, Connolly thanked the Fort Bliss and El Paso community for their unwavering support throughout his post-combat transition while assigned to the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit. He explained that no Soldier serves or heals alone, and he views the Purple Heart as a symbol of collective military sacrifice rather than a personal honor.
Lt. Col. Willie C. McRae, commander of the Fort Bliss SRU, pinned the medal on him. El Paso’s Military Order of the Purple Heart Lone Star Chapter 393 was present during the ceremony to support.
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