The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Thomas Monroe Conley (AFSN: FR-62557), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Space Defense Systems Test Manager and Chief, Space and Reconnaissance Systems Branch, Headquarters Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and Navstar Global Positioning System Multiservice Test Director and Commander, Detachment Four, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from 9 June 1979 to 30 June 1985. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and initiative consistently demonstrated by Colonel Conley resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of a new Air Force organization and the conduct of operational test and evaluation for many high-technology space system programs, especially the Global Positioning System. His expert management improved performance and resulted in more effective operational testing and more rapid introduction of highly complex space systems into the Air Force operational inventory. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Conley culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-105 (January 8, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas Monroe Conley (AFSN: FR-62557), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a Forward Air Controller directing fighter aircraft near Than Phu, Republic of Vietnam, on 4 February 1968. On that date an element of friendly forces were under heavy attack by a well armed and entrenched hostile battalion. Without hope of receiving close air support due to extremely low cloud ceilings in the target area, Captain Conley flew several rocket passes at the hostile forces, firing his marking smoke rockets. The aircraft in which Captain Conley was flying was vitally damaged by ground fire. Only after being hit did he retired from the area. Through his determination, superior airmanship, and with disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Conley assisted the friendly forces in bettering their tactical positions. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Captain Conley has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1709The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Thomas Monroe Conley (AFSN: FR-62557), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller at Tam Quan, Republic of Vietnam, on 7 and 8 December 1967. During this period, Captain Conley continually directed tactical air support in the presence of intense hostile ground fire and under unfavorable weather conditions against an unfriendly force which was in contact with elements of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), U.S. Army. He controlled ordnance deliveries within close proximity of friendly forces, thereby playing a vital role in the defeat of a major hostile force with minimum friendly casualties. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Conley reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.