COL GEORGE T. O'CONNELL

COL O'Connell was born February 16, 1911, at Cimmaron. He completed 44 years of military service to State and Nation with retirtement in February 1971, ranging from the rank of private to that of colonel. During World War II, Col. O'Connell commanded the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment in five major battles including the Battle at St. Lo and the Battle of the Bulge. He commanded more Kansans in any battalion size unit in Europe during World War II, than any other battalion commander.

Following World War II, Col. O'Connell was highly responsible for reorganization of the 137th Infantry Regiment as an active unit in the Kansas Army National Guard which he commanded until 1951 when he was assigned as Regimental Executive Officer of the 137th Infantry. Col. O'Connell met with the Military Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Commerce in various cities in his area arranging for their support and for armory space. In 1947, he was successful in organizing the 1st Battalion, 137th Infantry with Headquarters Company C in Newton, Company D in Clay Center and the Medical Detachment in Cottonwood Falls.

Col. O'Connell volunteered for active duty October 12, 1951, and served as Commanding Officer of the 306th Logistical Command and also as Commandant for Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. He was assigned an overseas tour in Italy and Austria from July 1952 until December of that year. Col. O'Connell returned to the Kansas National Guard in January 1953, was transferred to the Inactive Reserve in August 1953, and retired as a colonel on February 16, 1971.

Colonel O'Connell was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart Medal and the French Croix DeGuerre with Gold Star. He was also awarded the American Defense, American Theater, European Theater with five Battle Stars, Victory and Occupation Medals and the 20 year Kansas National Guard Medal.