The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Conway Lyman Ellers, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 163d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in New Guinea, in 1944. Encountering unexpected resist and fighting to hold ground already gained during a landing made by his division on Japanese-held soil, it was decided that three companies had to be rearranged to thwart a Japanese attempt to burst form a trap into which they were boxed. Captain Ellers undertook the mission and speedily rearranged the units, during which time he was constantly under enemy fire. He so perfectly placed the units that not one enemy got through. In their efforts to force passage in five different night sorties, more than 50 enemy were killed at a loss to the American force of two men killed and four wounded. Captain Ellers’ contribution was of inestimable value to our subsequent successful conclusion of the battle. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Ellers, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Conway Lyman Ellers, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 163d Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sanananda Point, New Guinea, on 18 and 19 January 1943. Captain Ellers was ordered to lead his company in an attack on a strong enemy position. He was trapped in a heavy crossfire from two enemy machineguns, and moved to the head of his company, quieted his men, and moved them from the exposed position with a minimum casualties. The next morning he resumed the attack on the enemy strong point, executing a brilliant flanking movement that dislodged the Japanese and the company advanced for 300 yards. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Ellers, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.