(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John William Leonard (ASN: 0-3840), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding General of the 9th Armored Division from 1942 to 1945.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
9th Armored DivisionAction Date:
March 7, 1945
Headquarters, III Corps, General Orders No. 75 (1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major General John William Leonard (ASN: 0-3840), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General, 9th Armored Division, in action against the enemy at the Remagen Bridgehead in Germany, on 7 March 1945. Major General Leonard reached the bridge within a few hours after the initial crossing. Foot troops passing through the town and over the bridge were under intermittent artillery fire, bombing, and strafing attacks. When shells fell near by, the passing troops froze in their positions, further endangering their lives. At great personal risk, General Leonard walked fearlessly among the men, urging them to proceed across the river when the shelling was less persistent. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major General Leonard, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major]Regiment:
6th Infantry RegimentDivision:
5th Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
October 14, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] John William Leonard (ASN: 0-3840), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 6th Infantry Regiment, 5th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Romagne, France, 14 October 1918. Lieutenant Colonel Leonard personally led the assaulting wave in an attack under severe shell and machine-gun fire from the front arid flanks. Upon reaching the objective he directed the organization of the position, and by his example of fearlessness rallied his men and kept his line intact.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
9th Armored DivisionAction Date:
October 1944 – February 1945
War Department, General Orders No. 36 (1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John William Leonard (ASN: 0-3840), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the 9th Armored Division, during the period from October 1944 through February 1945. Major General Leonard prepared his division for combat and its conduct in battle. He welded the division into a highly efficient combat force. Employed as a separate combat command in its first major engagement, the personal leadership and command ability of General Leonard resulted in each combat command holding against overwhelming odds and in the face of terrific German pressure. His efforts contributed materially to the successful repulse of the Ardennes offensive. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Leonard and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.