James J. Connell | |
|---|---|
 Connell in 1961 | |
| Birth name | James Joseph Connell |
| Nickname(s) | JJ |
| Born | 6 May 1939 Wilmington, Delaware, US |
| Died | 14 January 1971 (aged 31) Vietnam |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1962–1971 |
| Rank | Lieutenant commander |
| Battles / wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Navy Cross Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Purple Heart Prisoner of War Medal |
Lieutenant Commander James J. Connell (6 May 1939 – 14 January 1971) was an American naval aviator. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Connell served in the United States Navy as a naval aviator. During the Vietnam War, Connell was shot down and captured, eventually dying in captivity. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, with Connell's decoration being the highest award for valor bestowed on a Delawarean during the Vietnam War.