The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Bartholomew Conmy, Jr. (ASN: 0-25645), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 7 September 1968 to 8 September 1968. Colonel Conmy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action near Trung Lap, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. At approximately 1500 hours on 7 September 1968, a platoon from Company C, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, was combat assaulted into a contested landing zone near Trang Bang, Republic of Vietnam. A second platoon was inserted to assist, utilizing another landing zone close by. As soon as the platoon landed, it was subjected to intense hostile fire from small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and other crew served weapons fire from an estimated enemy battalion. Colonel Conmy immediately flew to the scene and ordered Companies B, C and D of the 3d Battalion, 197th Infantry Regiment to combat assault into a landing zone approximately one thousand meters from the two platoons in order to reinforce them. He directed the insertion from his Command and Control aircraft and remained directly above the battle area, even though his aircraft was the primary target of the enemy forces because of the extremely accurate helicopter gunship and artillery strikes he was directing. During this time, he remained directly above the battle area, and even directed the placement of suppressive fire from his own aircraft. At nightfall, he directed the replacement of the units in the most advantageous night defensive perimeter and established the correct coordinates for artillery and gunship support. Although his aircraft suffered numerous hits from intense enemy fire, he remained above the area throughout the night. At 0300 hours on 8 September 1968, he directed his aircraft to land in the vicinity of the battle area, completely disregarding his own safety. He then briefed his ground commanders and started them on an attack on the enemy forces, completely surrounding them. As the battle ensued, Colonel Conmy took off to pinpoint enemy strongholds in order to direct artillery and air strikes on these pockets of resistance. Due to his courage and sound judgment, the lives of numerous friendly personnel were saved the enemy was soundly defeated. Colonel Conmy’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Bartholomew Conmy, Jr. (ASN: 0-25645), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 5 September 1968 to 6 September 1968. Colonel Conmy distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action near Trung Lap, Republic of Vietnam, while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. At 1330 hours on 5 September 1968, Company B, 2d Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, engaged elements of the 7th Cu Chi Battalion. Colonel Conmy immediately flew to the area to personally take command. He immediately ordered Companies A and D, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, and Company B, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, to reinforce the besieged company. He then directed the elements and placed an effective cordon around the enemy. He directed artillery fire and numerous air strikes against the enemy. Also during this period, the enemy was directing intense small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and other fire against the friendly forces. In addition to the retaliatory fire Colonel Conmy was directing, he also directed suppressive fire from his own aircraft. Even though his aircraft suffered direct hits from hostile fire, he remained above the contested area even during the hours of darkness. At 0130 hours as the flareship was going off station and just before the artillery flares were fired, the enemy took advantage of the momentary darkness to launch a human wave attack against Company A. Supported by heavy mortar fire, the enemy temporarily penetrated the defense, allowing some of the enemy to escape. As soon as the enemy initiated their counterattack, Colonel Conmy positioned his aircraft over the area and again directed artillery fire and aircraft fire against the enemy within fifty meters of the friendly positions. Due to his prompt actions, the cordon was resealed and the rest of the enemy were contained. Although the engagement lasted two days, Colonel Conmy never left the scene of the battle. Due to his direct supervision and professional knowledge, one hundred forty-one enemy were killed. Through his sound judgment and exemplary courage, he contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Colonel Conmy’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.