A native of Akron, Ohio, Conger attended Harvard College and the Episcopal Theological Seminary, then worked at the Theosophy Society's main office in New York City.

This effort to deceive German commanders into allocating forces away from Saint-Mihiel was intended to produce an Allied advantage during an upcoming offensive.

After World War I, Conger commanded the 20th Infantry Regiment and served as U.S. military attaché in Berlin, Germany and Bern, Switzerland.

[1] The senior Conger was a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, member of the Ohio National Guard, prominent businessman, and Republican Party leader.

[1] Emily Conger was prominent in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Order of the Eastern Star, and Women's Relief Corps.

[1] The younger Conger was nicknamed "Whit" because as a boy he was often found whittling with a pocket knife, and he was educated in the public schools of Akron.

[2][3] He became an accomplished piano and organ player, and frequently gave concerts, played at church services, and participated in entertainment programs.

[1] After leaving college, Conger agreed to his parents' request that he attend the Episcopal Theological Seminary and consider becoming a member of the clergy.

[1] After leaving the seminary, Conger moved to New York City to perform volunteer work at the Theosophy Society's general offices.

[1] Joining Company "M", 12th New York Infantry, United States Volunteers as a corporal, Conger took part in the Spanish–American War and soon earned promotion to sergeant.

[15] As an instructor, Conger required students to conduct independent research on military events including the American Civil War's 1862 Peninsular campaign.

[13] Using original sources from the Fort Leavenworth post library, students researched topics of interest, then prepared and presented papers.

[13] Conger's innovations added depth to the curriculum, and provided students with lessons learned that they could apply in similar situations in the future.

[1] Later assigned to the Intelligence directorate (G-2) on the staff of the American Expeditionary Forces headquarters, Conger was the chief planner of a military deception effort that became known as the Belfort Ruse.

[17] Uncertain of which area was the real location of the planned offensive, Ludendorff held forces in reserve, positioned to move to either Saint-Mihiel or Belfort.

[17] As a result, First Army had numerical superiority and the advantage of surprise when it commenced the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, which produced an American victory and the capture or flight of Ludendorff's reserves.

[1] While serving in Berlin, Conger was permitted to attend a senior German military officers' course on the condition that he not reveal any details about the school or its curriculum.

[1] He served until his death, and his leadership tenure was notable for the move of the society's headquarters from Covina, California to nearby Pasadena.