Odell M. Conoley’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

LIEUTENANT COLONEL ODELL M. CONOLEY,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 26 December 1943 to 1 January 1944. Continuously exposing himself to intense barrages from concealed and well-entrenched enemy positions to direct the fire of his battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Conoley successfully repulsed repeated and determined counter-attacks with heavy losses to the enemy. By his cool courage, indomitable fighting spirit and inspiring leadership, Lieutenant Colonel Conoley was largely responsible in preventing hostile penetration of our lines and his valiant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ John L. Sullivan
Secretary of the Navy

---

Born: 9 November 1913 in Amarillo, Texas… Home of record: San Diego, Calif…. Played football and enrolled in ROTC while at Texas A&M… Received his appointment as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1935… Served in China with the 4th Marines and with the Embassy Guard detachment… Also fought at Guadalcanal, where he earned the Navy Cross… Retired as a brigadier general in 1964… Passed: 1 September 1933… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery