The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Leonard Reginald Budd, Jr. (MCSN: 0-2132168), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service while interned as a Prisoner of War (POW) in Southeast Asia from August 1967 to March 1973. Sergeant Budd’s ceaseless efforts by a continuous showing of resistance to the enemy, who ignored all international agreements concerning treatment of POW’s, demonstrated professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to the United States. Resisting the harsh treatment of his captors, Sergeant Budd was instrumental in maintaining the system of communications established by the prisoners. By so doing, he fostered the morale of his fellow POW’s and solidified their efforts to resist the attempts of the enemy to attain dominance over them. Sergeant Budd’s adherence to the Code of Conduct and overall exemplary performance reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. (Sergeant Budd is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)