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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald J. McConkey (ASN: 33674459), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 31 August 1944 in France. Company L was assigned the mission of establishing a road block to cut the enemy’s route of escape from a trap in a strategically important river valley. Private First Class McConkey, occupying an advance position in front of the block, spotted four enemy reconnaissance vehicles approaching along the road. He crouched by the roadside and waited quietly until the vehicles were abreast of his position. At that instant he began hurling hand grenades at the lead vehicle and set it afire. The disabled vehicle blocked the road and forced the other three to stop. The company opened fire on them, and Private First Class McConkey continued throwing grenades at the vehicles until all were disabled and the enemy soldiers either killed or captured by the friendly troops. He was killed in action during a subsequent engagement.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    142d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    36th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 7, 1944
    Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 487 (December 29, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Donald J. McConkey (ASN: 33674459), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action on 7 November 1944 in France. The 3d Platoon of Company L was advancing along a wooded draw, leading the attack against enemy defenses on an important hill, when hostile machine gun, rifle and mortar fire directed from all sides cut it off from the remainder of the company. One machine gun, well-emplaced on the lower ridge overlooking the draw, was sweeping the entire platoon with deadly bursts of fire, threatening to inflict heavy casualties on the group. Private First Class McConkey, an acting squad leader, determined upon a course of immediate action. He courageously led his men forward in an attempt to destroy the machine gun position. Moving calmly in the face of point blank fire, he skillfully deployed his squad and advanced to within 50 yards of the hostile emplacement. After placing his men in advantageous firing positions, he courageously exposed himself in order to direct their fire with greater effectiveness. He immediately became the target for the enemy gunners and was killed by the machine gun fire. As a result of his daring and aggressiveness, the hostile position was eliminated and the company was able to continue its advance.