On the recordOctober 3, 2018
along with Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the life of LCDR James J. Connell, of Wilmington, DE. J.J. passed away on January 14, 1971, at the age of 32, at the hands of Vietnamese guards during the Vietnam war after being held as a POW. In life and death, J.J. epitomized the best of the country's selfless citizens who put their lives on the line during the Vietnam war. His service exemplifies the unwavering courage, devotion to duty, and honor that he had and reminds us all of how good we can be. J.J. Connell was born on May 6, 1939, in Wilmington, DE, attending Salesianum High School until 1957. Following this, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on June 7, 1961, after having spent some time in Congress as a page. By 1962, he was designated as a naval aviator. After additional training, he was assigned as a flight instructor at NAAS Whiting Field, FL. He then served with Attack Squadron 55 aboard the USS Ticonderoga, then at NAS Lemoore, CA, until deploying on the USS Ranger on December 1964. After 7 months of combat, he was shot down over North Vietnam on July 15, 1966. Though he only sustained minor injuries, rescue efforts were impossible in the high-threat area he landed in, and consequently, he was captured. J.J. was captured by the North Vietnamese at a time when U.S.…
