USS Joseph E. Connolly
USS Joseph E. Connolly (DE-450) was a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort acquired by the U.S. Navy during World War II. The primary purpose of the destroyer escort was to escort and protect ships in convoy, in addition to other tasks as assigned, such as patrol or radar picket. Post-war she returned home with one battle star to her credit. Joseph E. Connolly (DE-450) was named in honor of Joseph Edward Connolly who was killed in the Guadalcanal campaign and was awarded the Navy Cross. Namesake Joseph Edward Connolly was born on 1 June 1904 in New York City. He served in the United States Navy from 1927 to 1930 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps on 9 March 1936. He attained the grade of Corporal by 1942 and took part in the assault on Guadalcanal, first American amphibious operation of the war. On 9 October 1942 Connolly and his men bore the brunt of a heavy Japanese assault along the Matanikau River. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. Construction and commissioning She was laid down 6 April 1944 by Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey; launched 6 August 1944; sponsored by Miss Cecilia