Sergeant Connolly was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan [1]. 

His quick thinking and bravery ensured that a detonation attempt by a suicide bomber was foiled. He carried out a life-saving act of gallantry and also proved to be an outstanding Troop Sergeant during all phases of war, particularly under intense enemy fire [2]. He saved the lives of 30 of his comrades when he prevented a Taliban suicide bomber from detonating154lb of explosives [3].