Embedded Files
World War II Veteran
Interviewed by:
Austin Hirschberger and Shannon McSorley
1943
2016
"...that's what I wanted to do, make the world a safe and free place to
come home to. It has been a wonderful place to live."
~ John Conley (13:18)
Name:
John C. Conley
Date of Birth / Death:
May 13, 1921 -
March 28, 2019
Branch of Service:
Marine Corps
Dates of Service:
January 1942- September 1945
Location of Military Service:
South Pacific Islands
Residence at Time of Death:
Osterville, Massachusetts
John Conley's Story:
John Conley was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1921. Despite growing up during the Great Depression, Mr. Conley still managed to have a great childhood.
Many years later, the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor had a massive impact on Mr. Conley. It was that moment he knew that he wanted to serve for his country. The very next day, he and his brother-in-law made a trip to Boston. On this trip, they both enlisted in the Marine Corps.
Mr. Conley completed his training on Parris Island, South Carolina. Within the next year, John Conley was actively serving in World War Two. Stationed in the South Pacific Isles, Mr. Conley had many memorable experiences, both good and bad. He served in the Marine Corps for three years, from 1942- 1945 . Over the course of his service, he formed lifelong bonds with his fellow Marines.
Through his many experiences, Mr. Conley left the Marines a changed person. John Conley is a brave, intelligent man with a strong love for his country and an inspiring story.
John and his fellow Marines stationed in the South Pacific Isles during World War Two.
Mr. Conley was first stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina where he received his training.
During transfer from the Guadalcanal Mr. Conley and his fellow Marines were attacked by the Japanese.
John Conley was carried on a Naval Ship, a Troop Carrier, like the one pictured.
This medal is a World War II Victory Service Ribbon awarded to John Conley for serving between 1941-1946.
John Conley received two bronze service stars for his service in World War Two. The medal the stars are placed on is called the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. This medal was earned by any member of the US Military who served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945.
This is the Combat Action Ribbon (C.A.R). This ribbon was awarded to John Conley by the United States Marine Corps for his confirmed combat participation. The criteria for the award is a member's satisfactory performance under enemy fire in ground and maritime combat.
John Conley's honorable discharge medal.
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