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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jack Eugene Conger (MCSN: 0-8061), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-114), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area from 4 to 12 March 1945. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Major Conger contributed materially to the success of his squadron and to the infliction of extensive damage on enemy barges, bridges and trucks. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of heavy hostile anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 212 (VMF-212)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 23 (MAG-23)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    October 16 – November 7, 1942
    SPOT AWARD: Serial 0750 (SofN Signed November 20, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Jack Eugene Conger (MCSN: 0-8061), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-212), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces over Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 16 October 1942 to 7 November 1942. Throughout that strenuous period when the island airfield was under constant bombardment and our precarious ground positions were menaced by the desperate thrusts of a fanatical foe, First Lieutenant Conger repeatedly strafed enemy ships and shore establishments and intercepted persistent bombing flights. With bold determination and courageous disregard of personal safety, he pressed home numerous attacks against heavily escorted waves of invading bombers and, in five vigorous fights against tremendous odds, shot down a total of eight Japanese aircraft. Undeterred by the exhaustion of his ammunition at the height of one engagement, he successfully rammed a hostile plane and sent it crashing into the sea. His superb flying skill and dauntless initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 114 (VMF-114)

    Action Date:

    March 31, 1944 – February 28, 1945
    Forward Area Central Pacific, SPOT: Serial

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Jack Eugene Conger (MCSN: 0-8061), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-114), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon and Western Caroline Islands Areas, from 31 March 1944 to 28 February 1945. Participating in numerous missions during this period, Major Conger accurately bombed and strafed enemy shipping, grounded aircraft and strongly-defended, heavily-fortified land installations, inflicting extreme damage o the enemy. His skilled airmanship and courageous devotion to duty in the face of heavy, accurate anti-aircraft fire, despite personal wounds, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.