New Clover Creek Baptist Church

MAURICE F. O'CONNELL

MEMORIAL LIBRARY

Maurice Francis O'Connell (1924-1944) is the only member of New Clover Creek Baptist Church to have given his life during combat. On May 26, 1996, the church dedicated its library in his memory. On that date, three things of interest occurred:

• Congressman Ron Lewis (R.Ky.) visited the church and posthumously awarded seven military decorations to the O'Connell family.
• A Biography of Maurice O'Connell, The Story of An American Hero, written by church member Perry T. Ryan was dedicated.
• The dedication service was delivered by former pastor, Capt. J. Dean Peterson, D.Min. (US Navy Ret.).

  	1. United States Congressman Ron Lewis (R.Ky.) flew from Washington, D.C., to visit New Clover Creek and to posthumously award Maurice O'Connell's family seven military decorations and a U.S. flag. During the aftermath of World War II, the decorations were never sent, and the flag presented to the family was somehow lost. The decorations included (1) the Bronze Star; (2) the Purple Heart; (3) the Good Conduct Medal; (4) the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; (5) the World War II Victory Medal; (6) the Army Combat Rifle Badge; and (7) the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button.
  	2. The new Maurice F. O'Connell Library has space for hundreds of books. It now houses numerous volumes on spiritual growth, discipleship, faith, history, Christian fiction, and comparative religion.
  	3. This display cabinet honors Maurice O'Connell , as well as the 116th Infantry Regiment and the 29th Infantry Division, in which he served at the time of his death. Included are the certificate sent to the O'Connell family by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the seven military decorations and the U.S. flag posthumously awarded by Congressman Lewis, and some personal items and effects which Maurice was carrying at the time of his death.
  	4. Congressman Lewis and Maurice's widow, Helen (now Mrs. Helen Murrell), who attended the dedication of the library.