The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Larry James Conklin (ASN: US-52969184), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 0900 hours, 23 March 1969, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, while returning from a platoon size mission west of Kontum City made contact with an enemy force of undetermined strength. Specialist Fourth Class Conklin was the squad leader for the first squad which was the lead element at the time. Realizing the main element was in danger, he began deploying his squad to positions covering the flanks. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he remained standing in open terrain, continually exposed to a barrage of hostile grenade and rifle fire in an attempt to pinpoint the enemy emplacements. Then, aided by the intense base of fire he was directing at the enemy, he succeeded in maneuvering his men to positions affording them better protection. While laying down the covering fire, he was mortally wounded. His personal bravery, superb leadership and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Larry James Conklin (ASN: US-52969184), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Conklin distinguished himself while serving as a Pointman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On 13 October 1968, Private First Class Conklin and several of his comrades were on a patrol near Dak To when they were engaged by an enemy force. Rolling forward, Private First Class Conklin engaged the enemy with devastating fire, thwarting their attack temporarily. When the enemy regrouped and initiated a second assault, he charged them firing his automatic weapon and hurling grenades with such accuracy that the enemy ran for cover. Then as a thunderstorm started, Private First Class Conklin attempted to repair the damaged radio to establish communications with his fire base. Attempting to replace the severed hand receiver, he tied the wires and spliced them, but received an inaudible transmission as the splice worked loose. Twice attempting to make a secure splice, Private First Class Conklin bit down on the wires with his teeth and held the bare splice in his hands despite the severe shocks he was receiving. Finally establishing communications, he called for and directed mortar fire on the fleeing enemy troops. Then moving to the aid of a severely wounded comrade, Private First Class Conklin splinted the man’s shattered leg and comforted him until an evacuation helicopter arrived. Private First Class Conklin’s exceptional courage, perseverance and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.