Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    11th Armored Infantry Battalion

    Division:

    1st Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 21, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 175 (November 16, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant John S. Conkling (ASN: 38019239), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 11th Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Pontedera, Italy, on 21 August 1944. Sergeant Conkling commanded a patrol with the mission of contacting another patrol at a designated point. Leading his men across unfamiliar territory known to be patrolled by the enemy, he succeeded in contacting the other patrol and then departed for his platoon command post. During the return journey, he and his men were halted and challenged in perfect English by the leader of another force. Questioning the leader of the strange patrol, Sergeant Conkling discovered that he and his men were faced by a much larger patrol of Germans. Boldly rushing the enemy patrol, Sergeant Conkling engaged the German leader in hand-to-hand combat and seriously wounded him. Sergeant Conkling, fatally wounded himself, order his men to open fire and withdraw to obtain assistance. Despite his wounds he continued to fire and throw hand grenades at the approaching enemy until his death. Sergeant Conkling’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Armored Division, and the United States Army.