2nd Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the Suppliment to the London Gazette of 13 December 1945.

Awarded the Military Medal in the Suppliment to the London Gazette of 23 September 1943 (for N. AFRICA).

The official recommendation reads: - "24 April 1943. During operations in the Djebel Bou Diss area (at the time of the battle of "Longstop"), Sergeant O'Connell was Mortar Platoon Sergeant. Supplies had to be brought up to the battalion positions by mule along a difficult route of 2 miles. This route was registered by the enemy artillery who shelled various points along it frequently. On several occasions during the battalions occupation of this position, Sergeant O'Connell brought long mule trains up under intense shell fire in order to supply ammunition to the forward mortars. This was yet another occasion when this NCO has set a fine example to his men by a complete disregard for his own safety. He has on several occasions during the campaign displayed great gallantry and has already been recommended for a previous occasion, but an award was not granted".