SOUTH CAROLINA - Leo H. Connelly, Jr., a highly decorated Army veteran from Youngstown, was the honored with the prestigious "DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Victories for Veterans Award" at the 2019 Carolina Country Music Fest by country music star Randy Houser.

This national annual award is sponsored by USAA, and is given to veterans who have overcome enormous physical and/or mental challenges, and have lived their lives as an inspiration to others.
 
Connelly began his military service in 1966 when he was drafted and sent to Vietnam.

A year later, Connelly was wounded while rescuing a fellow soldier during Operation Billings. As Connelly was reaching down to pick the wounded soldier up, he was stabbed by a Viet Cong soldier lying next to him. 

Connelly defeated him in hand-to-hand combat and then proceeded to carry the wounded American to a helicopter for transport to medical care.

He then returned to the battle and continued fighting.

Since being discharged from active duty in 1968, he has committed his life to helping veterans receive fair treatment and get the benefits they were promised.

Connelly has served on the Mahoning County Veteran Services Commission, been inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor, been honored as the Mahoning County United Veterans Council's Veteran of the Year in 2011 and was named the Second Brigade Motorcycle Club of Ohio Honoree of the Year in 2012.

He has been described as the "epitome of courage, honor, and integrity."

Last month, Connelly received his Purple Heart for the injuries he received in Vietnam.

He was humbled by the award but said he would never forget the more than 58,000 American soldiers who died during the war.