Henry J. Conlin

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Henry J. Conlin (0-53541), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Infantry Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Korea, on 5 July 1952. Second Lieutenant Conlin was in command of approximately thirty men occupying an outpost forward of the main line of resistance. During the night the outpost was assaulted by a reinforced enemy company supported by artillery, mortar and heavy machine gun fire. As the enemy troops penetrated the position he led his men in repelling the assault with small arms fire and hand grenades at close range. He personally accounted for two of the twenty-eight enemy killed during the action, and directed mortar and artillery fire in close support of the surrounded outpost, preventing the enemy from reorganizing for a second assault. At one point during the night’s action he received word that a portion of his position had been overrun. Without regard for personal safety he immediately moved to that part of the position, exposing himself all the way to enemy fire, and reorganized his force. When this had been accomplished he led his corpsman back over the same ground to care for the casualties. His expert leadership and selfless devotion to duty were an inspiration to all the men under his command. Second Lieutenant Conlin’s courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.