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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Bartholomew Conmy, Jr. (ASN: 0-25645), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 March 1969, while serving as Brigade Commander, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. At 0300 hours Colonel Conmy was informed that one of his fire bases near Camp Evans, Republic of Vietnam, was under heavy enemy sapper attack. The initial attack consisted of extensive rocket propelled grenade and mortar fire followed by a ground attack of Viet Cong sappers. He immediately began monitoring the action on his command radio and directed that his Command and Control helicopter prepare to depart. At first light he arrived at the scene for a personal assessment of the attack. He departed the area, making a visual reconnaissance of the areas of suspected routes of withdrawal. Several enemy were seen nearing a Ranger Patrol. Colonel Conmy directed his Battalion Commander to insert another company into an area adjacent to the rangers and use both forges to sweep and destroy the sapper force. He proceeded to direct aerial rocket artillery and guided the gunships as they flew over the area. He also instructed Vietnamese forces operating in the area to flank any escape attempted by the enemy. As the gunships flew over the area, they received a heavy volume of small arms fire. Colonel Conmy directed his Command and Control Helicopter low over the area, bringing the helicopter down to ten feet above the ground, and flew over the target areas several times to draw fire to allow the gunship pilots to observe the area. On each low level pass small arms fire was heard, and Colonel Conmy was exposed to hostile fire and enemy observation. After assuring himself that the fire was properly on target, he directed his pilot to land in front of the maneuvering forces sweeping the area. Realizing that if the force continued on their course they would have missed entirely the most likely hiding area, Colonel Conmy left his helicopter, took charge of the elements, and led them to the enemy’s hiding place. His appearance on the ground inspired confidence and determination in his men as they aggressively swept the area under the leadership of Colonel Conmy. Colonel Conmy’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a highly trained and well-concealed enemy force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects 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 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Bartholomew Conmy, Jr. (ASN: 0-25645), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 May 1969. Colonel Conmy distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. On the cited date, the 3d Brigade, under the direction and supervision of Colonel Conmy, was engaged in Operation APACHE SNOW in the northern part of the A Shau Valley, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. During the fierce battle for Dong Ap Bia Mountain, Hill 937, the 3d Brigade engaged and decimated the 29th North Vietnamese Army Regiment. Colonel Conmy remained constantly on the scene, direction the action from his Command and Control aircraft, despite the intense enemy fire which resulted in five aircraft being shot down. As the battle raged on, he directed his aircraft to fly at low altitude to permit the Artillery Liaison Officer to accurately adjust the eight inch gun fire to destroy the enemy bunkers. When ground commanders were forced to leave the scene of the battle to refuel their aircraft, he personally took command of the battalions and directed the battle. When the tactical situation necessitated the committing of reinforcements, he personally made a low level reconnaissance of the landing zone and then directed the insertion of troops of the 2d Battalion of the 3d Army of the Republic of Vietnam Regiment only a thousand meters from where the battle was raging. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continuously positioned his aircraft over the heaviest contact area in order to keep abreast of the tactical situation and to best organize his troops and further destroy the enemy forces. Through his daring leadership, professional knowledge and continuous presence, the 3d Brigade was able to capture the hill and deliver a decisive defeat to the enemy forces. Colonel Conmy’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.