John S. Conkling
Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 21 August 1944, Sergeant John S. Conkling was serving with the 11th Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

On that day, SGT Conkling's unit was in action against German forces. SGT Conkling's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

He was also awarded the Italian Cross of Military Valor.

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to John S. Conkling (38019239), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 11th Armored Infantry Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 21 August 1944. Sergeant Conkling's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Armored Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 175 (1944)

Burial

Sergeant John S. Conkling is buried at the Florence American Cemetery and Memorial in Florence, Città Metropolitana di Firenze, Toscana, Italy in Plot F, Row 8, Grave 2.

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