major of the Seventh Army Training Command Grafenwöhr and in July 1976, became sergeant major of the 1st Armored Division at Ansbach. From that position, he was nominated and selected to the position of sergeant major of the United States Army Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Georgia, in July 1977. Connelly was selected as sixth Sergeant Major of the Army, serving 1979 to 1983. He is best known for removing the specialist ranks of specialist 5 through specialist 7. Awards and decorations Doughboy Award Primicerius- [Order of Saint Maurice Medal] 9 Service stripes. References The Sergeants Major of the Army, Daniel K. Elder, Center of Military History, United States Army Washington, D.C. 2003. https://www.ausa.org/news/retired-sma-william-connelly-dies-88 1931 births People from Monticello, Georgia United States Army personnel of the Vietnam War Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army) Recipients of the Air Medal Recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam) Sergeants Major of the Army United States Army Sergeants Major Academy alumni 2019 deaths