The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Sixth Class Leonard A. Demaray (ASN: RA-16777073), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Six Demaray distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 22 February 1968, while serving as a flight engineer of an Armed CH-47 helicopter of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 228th Aviation Battalion (Assault Support Helicopter), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a combat support mission near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. When his aircraft was downed by intense enemy ground fire, Specialist Demaray exposed himself to the hostile fire as he moved around the outside of the helicopter attempting to assess the extent of the damage done by the enemy fire. Although wounded he placed effective suppressive fire on the insurgents’ positions until his comrades could be extracted by a rescue aircraft. Specialist Demaray’s gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Specialist Sixth Class Leonard A. Demaray (ASN: RA-16777073), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Cambodia. Specialist Sixth Class Demaray distinguished himself by valorous action while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron (Airmobile), 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), on 21 May 1970. Landing at an enemy camp site to capture equipment, Specialist Six Demaray came into close contact with several hostile soldiers. Single-handedly fighting at point-blank range, he engaged the aggressors. Becoming low on ammunition, he picked up an enemy weapon and continued to engaged the hostiles. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.