Conoley served on Guadalcanal with the 7th Marine Regiment under Colonel Amor L. Sims until the beginning of February 1943, when the island was declared secured. Seventh Marines were subsequently shipped to Australia for rest and refit and he spent next eight months with training and preparations for upcoming New Britain campaign. While in Australia, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in July 1943 and appointed commanding officer 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines.