Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (Company M, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Private Joseph M. Conlon, 35455503, Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States near *** [Lutrebois], Belgium on 31 December 1944. When a rifle company which his platoon was supporting was compelled to withdraw during the course of a powerful enemy counterattack, Private Conlon, a squad leader, maintained his machine gun squad in position for more than an hour, repelling three successive assaults and inflicting heavy casualties among the attacking Germans. Although wounded by sniper fire, Private Conlon continued his duties after receiving first aid. Mounting pressure on both flanks finally made withdrawal mandatory, whereupon Private Conlon and his men brought each gun out of position and moved personnel and equipment to more advantageous positions without loss. Private Conlon’s heroic actions honor his character as a soldier.
Entered military service from Ohio.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 15 (26 February 1945).