Rank: Sergeant First Class
Unit: F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
MOS: 11C – Indirect Fire Infantryman
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Badges: Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge
Unit awards: Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device
Enlisted by: Regular
Date of birth: 10-Jun-1937
Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia
Marital status: Married to Betty J. Conley, two sons, three daughters
Campaign: Vietnam Conflict
Entered service: 23-Sep-1955
Start of tour: 16-Nov-1970
Incident date: 20-Oct-1971
Date of casualty: 7-Nov-1971
Age at death: 34
Cause of death: Non-hostile, died of illness/injury. Heart Related. Heart attack.
James Grady Conley died as a result of cardiac arrest. He was admitted to a military medical facility and later expired. / Individual was at night defensive position (NDP). Attempted to start fire in charcoal grill using gasoline. Gasoline exploded. / Individual admitted to 3d Field Hospital, Saigon, on 30 Oct 1971 at 1810 hrs and expired on 7 Nov 1971. Incident occurred on 30 Oct 1971 at 1530 hrs.
Location of fatality: Binh Duong, South Vietnam, XT 529 352
Place of interment: Fort Benning Post Cemetery, Fort Benning, Georgia, USA
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ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE
STAFF SERGEANT JAMES GRADY CONLEY
24 APRIL 1971
F TROOP, 2nd SQUADRON
11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT
Staff Sergeant Conley distinguished himself by valorous actions on 24 April 1971. Disregarding his own safety, he courageously exposed himself to the dangers inherent in the combat environment as he directed his efforts toward neutralizing the enemy threat. His valiant actions were characterized by a great concern for the welfare of his comrades and contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Vietnam. His loyalty, diligence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, 3rd Brigade (Separate), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) General Orders No. 321 (3 May 1971)