Conner with Posthumous Medal of Honor

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and U.S. Congressman James Comer (KY-01) announced that First Lieutenant Garlin M. Conner will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for his valiant actions during World War II. According to the White House, President Donald Trump called his wife, Pauline Conner, to personally share the announcement with her.

Senators McConnell and Paul, and Congressman Comer wrote letters to President Trump and Secretary of Defense James Mattis advocating on behalf of First Lieutenant Conner. Senator McConnell also included an amendment in the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law last year, authorizing the award of the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant Conner after Secretary Mattis had indicated his support for the award and the need for a time waiver.

Senator McConnell said: “It is with a sense of deep gratitude that I congratulate the family of First Lieutenant Garlin M. Conner on today’s announcement that he will posthumously receive our nation’s highest military distinction, the Medal of Honor. In his brave service to our country during World War II, First Lieutenant Conner saved the lives of many members of his unit, disregarding his personal safety and displaying the highest values of both the Commonwealth and the Nation. After my office had worked for a number of years with his wife Pauline and others, I was proud to include a provision in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act to waive a statutory time limitation, giving President Trump the authority to grant First Lieutenant Conner this well-deserved honor. The men and women of the Greatest Generation helped save our country during the darkest hours of the Second World War, and as the son of a World War II veteran, I am so proud to take this opportunity to recognize First Lieutenant Conner for his exceptional valor and service.”

Senator Paul said: “I am glad to see this distinguished Kentuckian receive the recognition he deserves for his sacrifice for our nation and defense of the freedoms we hold so dear.”

Congressman Comer said: “First Lieutenant Garlin Conner was an American hero. It was a privilege to be part of the effort to award the Medal of Honor to this Clinton County native in recognition of his courage and valor during World War II. His bravery and service to our nation is an inspiration to us all.”