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 Technical Sergeant Irvin F. Conley (ASN: 20526726), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of St. Lo, France, on 13 July 1944. When the platoon led by Technical Sergeant Conley was pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire from strongly fortified positions, Technical Sergeant Conley, exhibiting great courage and coolness under fire, advanced toward the nearest machine gun emplacement, fired his rifle until the weapon jammed, and the continued the attack with hand grenades, including several enemy grenades which he threw back before they exploded. He leaped into the enemy position and killed the remaining members of the crew with the butt of his rifle. Determining that his platoon was still unable to advance, he returned to his own lines within the enemy machine gun, thus weakening the network of enemy fire. Although wounded in the leg during the action, Technical Sergeant Conley remained in active command of his platoon, and through his courageous leadership, inspired his troops to the subsequent capture of the strong enemy positions in the area. Technical Sergeant Conley’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 35th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.