Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company G, 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division "Wild West Division", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

January 6th, 1945

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Edward J. Conley (ASN: 0-1286609), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 363d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1944, near Scarperia, Italy. In preparation for an assault to secure the peak of Montecelli, Captain Conley led his company up the steep slope of this mountain, which was heavily fortified with pillboxes, barbed wire entanglements, mine fields and booby traps. The following morning while making his way down the slope to report to his battalion commander, Captain Conley noticed a camouflaged enemy observer. He fired at the German, but the enemy soldier dodged into a pillbox which opened fire on Captain Conley. Sending his messenger for hand grenades, Captain Conley engaged the pillbox with fire. A second pillbox opened fire and bullets barely missed him. When the messenger returned, Captain Conley and his men closed in on the pillboxes and captured twenty-six Germans. Later, receiving orders to attack, Captain Conley led his men against strongly defended positions higher on the peak. The assault was stopped by a murderous hail of small arms fire which inflicted extremely heavy casualties. After reorganizing his depleted company, Captain Conley led his men in repulsing an enemy counterattack, during which he was wounded in the arm. Making his way to a radio to report to his battalion commander, he was rendered unconscious by a shell burst. After regaining consciousness, and upon being informed that the adjoining companies had lost all their officers and had suffered heavy casualties, Captain Conley made his way to both companies, reorganized them and remained in command of all three units until the objective was secured. Captain Conley refused to be evacuated even though suffering from his wound and the effects of concussion. His exemplary leadership, coolness under fire and high regard for the obligations of an officer were an inspiration to his men and reflect credit upon the Armed Forces of the United States.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 4, 6 January 1945.