Leonard Erb graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1942. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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Leonard Erb graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1942. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Leonard Erb (NSN: 0-123763), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Member of the Fire Control Party of the U.S.S. RAY (SS-271), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters in the Southwest Pacific Area, from 9 July to 31 August 1944. Despite dangerous and extremely trying conditions during every contact with the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Erb skillfully operated the torpedo data computer, thereby contributing materially to the success of the patrol. His courage, professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Leonard Erb (NSN: 0-123763), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Executive Officer and Navigator of the U.S.S. RAY (SS-271), during the SEVENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the Yellow Sea from 30 April to 16 June 1945. Skillfully directing a boarding party, Lieutenant Erb rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in rescuing twenty aviators and in conducting gun attacks which resulted in the sinking of approximately 6,000 tons of enemy shipping. By his expert navigation, courage and leadership, Lieutenant Commander Erb contributed materially to the success of his vessel in evading strong hostile countermeasures. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Erb is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Leonard Erb (NSN: 0-123763), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Assistant Engineer Officer and a Member of the Fire Control Party of the U.S.S. RAY (SS-271), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Participating in many attacks upon enemy craft, Lieutenant Commander Erb carried out his duties in a cool and efficient manner despite severe hostile gunfire, aerial bombing and depth charging, thereby contributing materially to his ship’s record of sinking or damaging every enemy target attacked, while receiving only slight damage in return. His skill and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Lieutenant Commander Erb and the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Erb is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Leonard Erb (NSN: 0-123763), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. RAY (SS-271), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 23 September to 8 December 1944. Expertly handling attack problems, Lieutenant Commander Erb rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting attacks to sink over 35,000 tons of enemy shipping and to inflict damage on 15,000 tons, despite severe enemy countermeasures. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.