Harry J. Conley was born on August 22, 1917, in Williamstown, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. He was the husband of Barbara Janet (Gardner) Conley.

Conley was serving as a civilian technical representative of Pratt and Whitney motors under government regulation and was attached as captain to the Army Air Force during World War II. He was on the B-25 Mitchell 42-87440 that took off from Salon-de-Provence on a transport mission to Loyettes. While the flight passed without incident, the heavy fog hanging in the area hid the hill on their landing approach. The plane crashed into the hillside, killing all inside. He died on September 11, 1944, and was buried at Rhone American Cemetery and Memorial, Draguignan, Departement du Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.