Max C. Conatser

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Max C. Conatser, Major, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy in the vicinity of Pyongyang, Korea, while commanding a Signal Construction Detachment in advance support of the Fifth Air Force. When evacuation was necessary, Major Conatser voluntarily remained at Pyongyang to destroy communication facilities in order to prevent their use by the enemy. On 3 December 1950, while preparing to evacuate his detachment, his convoy was bombed and strafed by the enemy and eight of ten trucks were immobilized. When a nearby ambulance caught fire and was knocked into a gasoline dump, Major Conatser, realizing the danger of explosion, and with total disregard for personal safety, rushed to the vehicle and removed it from the area. Major Conatser further exposed himself to danger by entering an abandoned ordnance depot and removing parts from bobby-trapped vehicles, enabling his men to quickly repair six vehicles and safely evacuate themselves. The exceptional courage and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Conatser were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.