The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Edward Conroy (MCSN: 0-25042), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as Platoon Leader attached to the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu Island, Palau Group, from 15 September to 8 October 1944. With his platoon pinned down by devastating fire from a hostile pillbox on 16 September, Second Lieutenant Conroy unhesitatingly advanced across the open fire-swept area and, personally silencing the enemy emplacement with grenades, enabled his men to continue their advance. When his platoon was again fired upon at dusk the same day, he played a vital part in repulsing the vicious onslaught with heavy enemy losses. Ordered to assault Japanese positions retarding the advance of his company on 4 October, he boldly penetrated deep into enemy territory to reconnoiter the enemy’s dispositions. Fighting at ranged of from ten to forty yards, he skillfully deployed his men and personally directed their fire, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy with minimum casualties to his own force and thereby contributing to the success of his company in completing an important drive over the most difficult terrain on the island. Exercising keen concern for his men during a fierce assault against a high ridge on 8 October, he went forward alone to determine routes of movement but was mortally wounded while carrying out his hazardous mission. Second Lieutenant Conroy’s inspiring leadership, his outstanding personal valor and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds were essential factors in the capture of this vital stronghold, and his valiant devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.