The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William A. Conger (MCSN: 0-82209), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Assistant Operations Officer of the Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 14 February 1968, Captain Conger was inserted by helicopter into an enemy surrounded area west of the Ca Lu Combat Operation Base at Quang Tri Province where he assumed command of the remaining elements of Company K which had been heavily engaged with the enemy earlier the same day and sustained numerous casualties, including the commanding officer and executive officer. Throughout the night, he moved from one position to another, encouraging his men, directing their fire and requesting and adjusting defensive fires around the perimeter. Early the following day, after supervising the helicopter evacuation of several casualties, Captain Conger deployed his men and launched an assault against an enemy force entrenched on a hill which commanded the area. Repeatedly exposing himself to intense enemy fire to maneuver his men and adjust supporting fire, he inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and overran the hostile position. Although painfully wounded, Captain Conger continued to direct artillery fires and air strikes on known enemy positions while he reorganized his unit and prepared his casualties for evacuation. Subsequently reinforced by a reaction platoon, he reorganized his men and led them through the hostile territory, returning to Ca Lu with their wounded. By his dynamic leadership, resolute courage and selfless devotion to duty, Captain Conger inspired all who served with him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.