The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Leonard Cary Saurage (ASN: 0-346548), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Company of the 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands. On 9 March 1944, Captain Saurage led his company in an attack on enemy forces which had broken through the American perimeter on Hill 700 at Bougainville. Enemy weapons obstructed the advance of his assault platoon and were concealed in such a manner that firing on them involved a daring exposure to the unlimited observations of the enemy. Rather than have one of his own men risk his life in this hazardous mission, the Captain took the weapon of an automatic rifleman and from an exposed position delivered five full magazines of ammunition directly into a machine gun nest. Many Japanese were either killed or wounded. He was fatally wounded by the enemy’s intense return fire. His heroic action so distracted the enemy that his men were able to seize new positions on the hill, which prevented the Japanese forces from exploiting their penetration of the lines. The tactical gain, together with the fierce fighting spirit which was inspired by his self-sacrifice and exceptional bravery, played a conspicuous role in the overwhelming defeat of the enemy four days later. Captain Saurage’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.