I was very pleased to see the hero flags flying in our town honoring our military. My father, Leroy G. Conn, was one of them. I would like to share the following:

Leroy G. Conn
United States Navy
1937-1958

Leroy G Conn was born June 5, 1918 in Milton New York. He graduated from Highland High School in Highland, New York in 1936. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the Borough Hall, Brooklyn, New York in March 1937. Mr. Conn served on the USS Nitro, USS Elliot, USS Boise, USS Mississippi and the Sub Chaser Squadron I. During his early days of enlistment, he completed the Packard Engine School in Detroit, Michigan and then joined the Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) Squadron 3 and was stationed in the Philippines. While in the Philippines he was under the command of Lt. John D Buckeley. Soon after the infamous US attack by the Japanese in the Pacific, Mr. Conn helped evacuate General Douglas MacArthur on PT-32 in early 1942. Later in 1942, he was reported missing in action and presumed to be a prisoner of war. On June 30, 1942 his mother received a Western Union Cable that explained he was okay. For his heroism, Leroy received from the President of the United States the Silver Star (Army Award) for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service. This award was in line of his profession while serving with the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three from March 11 to March 13, 1942 in the Philippine Islands, where he executed with marked skill and coolness a mission of major importance and of the most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces involving General Douglas MacArthur.

In 1944 he served in the Office of Strategic Service (OSS) until the end of World War II. The OSS was the first full-service intelligence organization for our country. This intelligence department left a legacy of daring and innovation that has influenced American Military and intelligence strategy since World War II. Today’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) derives a significant legacy from the OSS.

In 1945 Leroy received the Army Distinguished Unit Badge with Oak Leaf Clusters for his defense of the Philippines. He attended Refrigeration School in Norfolk, Virginia. He then was stationed at Guantanamo Bay Cuba Naval Base and the USS Hazel, on which was a Net tender in Coco Solo Canal Zone, Panama.

Near the end of his naval career, Chief Engineman Conn became the area’s Naval recruiter. During this time he enlisted many young men from the Hudson Valley area high schools. In 1958, he was nominated by the US Navy as their outstanding salesman of the year; top salesmen from the nation’s leading corporations were also honored at the National Sales Club of New York at the Hotel Waldorf-Astoria on February 28, 1958.

I hope more people write articles about their heroes. This way we all get a greater appreciation of their service. I want to thank Ulster County legislator Mr. Thomas Corcoran Jr., Town of Marlboro and all the volunteers who put up the flags.