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Cpl Hazel L. Connell worked in a textile factory.

He enlisted at Fort Jackson Columbia, South Carolina on 15 September 1942.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action on 18 December 1944. At 0900 hours, the 2nd Battalion was withdrawn from the Monschau Forest sector to meet an enemy attack composed of SS infantry and panzer armored units of the German army in the vicinity of ... Cpf Connell was gunner of an anti-tank gun crew attached to E Company for support. Before defense could be completely established, an enemy attack spearheaded by a column of enemy tanks bore down on the gun position, firing as they advanced. Although Cpl Connell and his ammunition loader were fully exposed to the enemy tank column, they swung the gun into action, the first round setting the lead tank of the column ablaze. A fierce duel of cannon fire resulted. Enemy mortar armor piercing and high explosive shells wounded part of the gun crew. Cpl Connell, with the ammunition loader continued operating the gun in the face of vicious fire and succesfully immobilized the second tank of the column. However, a direct hit on the gun instantly killed Cpl Connell. As a result of this gallant fire-fight, the enemy's main effort was diverted to the one gun, thus enabling other friendly troops to take advantageous positions for counter blows which repulsed the vicious enemy attacks after a fierce fire-fight.