The first of his four tours in Europe was with the 826th Tank Battalion at Hammelburg and Schweinfurt, Germany, from January 1955 until November 1956.

He was back in the United States at Fort Stewart, Georgia, as a platoon sergeant with the 3d Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor for less than 30 days when that unit was sent to Germany as part of the build up during the Berlin crisis of October 1961.

Connelly remained in Augsburg serving as a platoon sergeant with the 3/32d Armor until November 1962.

Back at Fort Stewart, Georgia, in August 1964, Connelly served as first sergeant of Company C, 4th Battalion, 68th Armor, 2d Infantry Division.

Doughboy Award Primicerius- [Order of Saint Maurice Medal] This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Army 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