(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Robert Francis Conley (MCSN: 0-10298), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Robert Francis Conley (MCSN: 0-10298), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN. An extremely competent and resourceful leader, Colonel Conley organized and trained his squadrons to the degree of readiness that enabled them to respond to and enter combat operations on extremely short notice. From his command the first Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron (VMFA-531) was introduced into the Republic of Vietnam on 10 April 1965. Through his effective supervision and coordination from his headquarters in Japan, this squadron was afforded continuous administrative and supply support even though it was engaged in combat operations at a location far removed from the parent group. On 6 July 1965, Colonel Conley was ordered to deploy the major portion of Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN to the Republic of Vietnam. Again, his exceptional organizational and command skills were manifestly demonstrated in the effectiveness and success of Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN’s rapid transition from garrison duty in Japan to combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam. He personally supervised this vast sea and air deployment which involved hundreds of personnel and many tons of equipment. Upon arrival at the DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, the squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN were immediately committed to combat operations. Colonel Conley not only effectively managed Marine Aircraft Group ELEVEN on the ground, but he also served as a flight leader in more than thirty air strike missions. By his outstanding leadership, judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Colonel Conley upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Conley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Robert Francis Conley (MCSN: 0-10298), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from July 1971 to May 1973 as Director of Information, Division of Information, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps. During this period of close scrutiny by the Congress of governmental public information archives, Brigadier General Conley took positive steps to assure that the news media, the public, and the individual Marine were provided with clear, concise, accurate, and pertinent information relating to the Marine Corps. He restructured the Division of Information, creating a strong Plans and Policy Branch, which had the immediate effect of improving staff functioning by public affairs officers throughout the Marine Corps. He also created an Internal Information Branch in order to keep Marines better informed about the Corps and thereby better spokesmen for it. Brigadier General Conley contributed essentially toward the further strengthening and enhancement of the Marine Corps’ excellent reputation in public affairs matters, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself, the Corps, and the Naval Service.