Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    128th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    32d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 19, 1942

    Headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 29 (March 30, 1943)

    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 Corporal Delos Andrew Leland (ASN: 20649190), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Buna, New Guinea, on 19 November 1942. While a member of a patrol preceding his battalion in an attack, Corporal Leland was wounded in the shoulder by an enemy sniper. He brought down the sniper who had wounded him and continued the attack until he was again wounded, when struck in the hip by an enemy machine gun. Although he could then advance only by crawling, he continued to go forward, located the machine gun and destroyed its crew with a hand grenade. In spite of his wounds, he continued to crawl forward in the attack until found by medical air personnel and evacuated. Corporal Leland’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.