The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Arthur Roger Conant (MCSN: 0-11470), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-215), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 19 to 26 August 1943. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Conant contributed materially to the success of his squadron in carrying out patrol flights and bombing and strafing attacks against enemy shipping, aircraft, air fields, barges, gun emplacements and personnel. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Arthur Roger Conant (MCSN: 0-11470), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-215), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 25 August 1943 to 3 September 1943. Encountering numerically superior aircraft while escorting a bomber formation over the important and heavily-fortified Kahili Airdrome on 25 August, First Lieutenant Conant engaged the enemy boldly and with aggressive determination, shooting down two hostile fighters and probably destroying two others. Flying a routine patrol on 30 August and observing enemy planes moving in for the kill on one of our severely damaged bombers, he dived to the attack swiftly and unerringly, destroyed one hostile fighter and assisted in driving off the remainder. Relentlessly strafing Hakili Airdrome in daring defiance of fierce anti-aircraft fire on 2 September and again on the following day, First Lieutenant Conant destroyed numerous enemy planes, installations and personnel. His courage, superb airmanship and unremitting devotion to duty throughout these and numerous other vital missions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Arthur Roger Conant (MCSN: 0-11470), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-215), operating against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific Area from 5 January 1944 to 15 February 1944. Leading his division with skill and intrepidity during numerous escort missions over heavily-fortified Japanese strongholds, Captain Conant employed fiercely aggressive tactics in the face of devastating anti-aircraft fire and strong aerial opposition to assist his squadron leader in providing effective protection for our bombers. Personally engaging hostile aircraft on many occasions, he fought his plane boldly and with resolute daring, shooting down three enemy fighters and probably a fourth during this tour of duty. By his splendid initiative, superb airmanship and unfailing combat readiness, Captain Conant contributed essentially to the success of his squadron in inflicting serious losses upon the enemy in this vital theater of operations, and his conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Arthur Roger Conant (MCSN: 0-11470), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-215), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 30 January 1944 to 12 February 1944. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Captain Conant contributed materially to the success of his squadron in carrying out patrol flights and bombing and strafing attacks against enemy shipping, aircraft, air fields, barges, gun emplacements and personnel. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Arthur Roger Conant (MCSN: 0-11470), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED FIFTEEN (VMF-215), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, from 8 to 13 November 1943. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, First Lieutenant Conant contributed materially to the success of his squadron in carrying out patrol flights and bombing and strafing attacks against enemy shipping, aircraft, air fields, barges, gun emplacements and personnel. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.