Career
He was a private in the 3rd Battalion, Connaught Rangers, British Army during World War I when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. "Foreign conspicuous gallantry when in command of a trench. Although wounded, he held on to his position after part of the line had been rushed."
The Connacht Tribune in June, 1915 reported
Reward for Gallantry. Though seriously wounded, and after his officer has been shot, he rallied his company, and held a line of trenches against the Turks.
He is a son of the late Thomas Folan, pilot, Canower, County Galway.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
The following announcement appeared in June 1916 and since there was usually a gap of about 3 months before a specific event and the announcement of an award it would normally relate to something occurring in early 1916. LONDON GAZETTE 13 JUNE 1916 Distinguished Conduct Medal ANNOUNCEMENT
"His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of His Majesty"s Birthday, to approve of the undermentioned rewards for distinguished services in connection with Military Operations with the British Forces in Salonika:—
AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL. 3/5582 Private (soldier)
J. Folan, 3rd Bn, Connecticut Rang. SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 13 JULY, 1916
‘With reference to the dispatch published in June 1916, the following are mentioned for distinguished and gallant services rendered during the period of Sir Charles Munro’s command of the Mediterramean Expeditionary Force*."
3/5582 Private (soldier)
J. Folan, 3rd Bn, Connecticut