Orders, Decorations and Medals

A ‘Northern Ireland’ M.M. pair awarded to Private Michael O’Connell, The Parachute Regiment, late Royal Army Ordnance Corps

Military Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (23881100 Pte. M. O’Connell, Para); General Service 1962, 2 clasps, Radfan, Northern Ireland (23881100 Pte., R.A.O.C.) mounted court style as worn, extremely fine (2) £2000-2500

M.M. London Gazette 8 October 1974. ‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Northern Ireland during the period 1st February to 30th April 1974.’

The following details are taken from Above and Beyond by A. M. Palmer: ‘Attached to 7 Para Regt RHA, Belfast. While walking to a helicopter pick up point, he and his men were ambushed and all were either killed or wounded. Private O’Connell dragged a wounded comrade and the radio into cover and, while engaging the terrorists, called for help which arrived a long time later.’

Michael O,Connell described the action against the I.R.A. for which he was awarded the Military Medal as follows: ‘I was a member of a four man patrol which was ambushed by the I.R.A. The patrol was fired on and two were killed outright. A third member of the patrol was seriously wounded, half his face was shot away (He was later discharged from the Army and received compensation for his wounds). I dived into a ditch and dragged the wounded soldier in with me, and commenced to return fire. Later, when the scene of the ambush was checked, over 170 spent cases were found in the area where the ambushers had been.’