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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Alwyn D. Conger (ASN: 0-887446), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 December 1944, in Belgium. Lieutenant Conger was adjusting artillery fire on a large column of enemy Infantry when suddenly an enemy concentration of mortar fire fell on his observation post. In spite of the extreme danger from shells which were striking all around him, Lieutenant Conger continued to make his adjustment of fire which was so accurate that approximately two hundred and fifty of the enemy were killed and several hundred wounded and the enemy column gave up its plan of attack, withdrawing to the rear. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    113th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 21, 1945
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 187 (July 14, 1945)

    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 First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Alwyn D. Conger (ASN: 0-887446), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 February 1945, in Germany. Lieutenant Conger remained at his observation post despite constant enemy shelling in an effort to locate enemy artillery positions. The information he relayed to his own unit enabled them to neutralize the enemy positions. His staunch courage and disregard for his safety reflect great upon himself and the Armed Forces.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery)

    Batallion:

    113th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 26, 1945
    Headquarters, NINTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 221 (June 12, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Alwyn Dickens Conger (ASN: 0-887446), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Battery C, 113th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations in Germany on 26 March 1945. Lieutenant Conger, a forward observer, moved through enemy fire to a point where he was able to place an effective artillery concentration on enemy guns which had halted his unit’s advance, quickly silencing them. He then advanced with assaulting infantry until he was fired on by an enemy machine gun. Crawling out, he advanced and killed the entire machine gun crew. When he was again fired on from a group of houses, he fired into the enemy positions to point out the target for a 105-mm. gun which soon led to the surrender of thirty-one of the enemy. The extraordinary heroism and courageous action of Lieutenant Conger reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.