James McConnell was a soldier in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Philippine–American War. Almost two decades later, McConnell, by then a First Lieutenant, was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for actions in France during World War I. He was mortally wounded and died the same day.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 33d Infantry, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Vigan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, December 4, 1899. Entered service at: Detroit, Mich. Birth: Syracuse, N.Y. Date of issue: October 1, 1902. Citation: "Fought for hours Iying between 2 dead comrades, notwithstanding his hat was pierced, his clothing plowed through by bullets, and his face cut and bruised by flying gravel."