The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third (Navy) Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Leo Hewlett Thebaud (NSN: 0-8274), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in operations against the enemy while serving as Commander, Cruiser Division TEN and Commander Support Unit of a Fast Carrier Task Group, during the occupation of the Marianas, strikes against the Bonins, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea during World War II. The cruisers comprising the Support Unit were always handled in a smart and efficient manner and contributed greatly to the efficiency of the entire Task Group. The cruiser planes which were under his direct command contributed courage and inspiring leadership to the officers and men under his command and his performance of duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Thebaud is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Leo Hewlett Thebaud (NSN: 0-8274), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47), during the amphibious assault on the west coast of Italy. Captain Thebaud with outstanding leadership, initiative and courage so fought his ship in the Gulf of Salerno from 12 September through 16 September 1943, that the fire support delivered by the group, of which the BOISE was a unit, enabled the Allied assault troops to maintain their beachheads against determined enemy counter-attacks. By skillful ship-handling and sound judgment he operated his ship in enemy mined waters, often under artillery fire and air attack, so effectively that heavy damage was inflicted on the enemy, causing his withdrawal to interior positions and thereby materially contributing to the success of the invasion. The extraordinary ability, sound judgment, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Thebaud reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. (Captain Thebaud is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) to Captain Leo Hewlett Thebaud (NSN: 0-8274), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during U.S. Navy operations in support of the United States 7th Army from 8 August to 14 August 1943. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOISE (CL-47), Captain Thebaud played a prominent part in the planning and execution of the amphibious landings behind the enemy lines in Sicily. The direction of supporting naval gunfire and the high order of seamanship displayed by Captain Thebaud contributed materially to the rapid advance of the 7th Army along the northern coast of Sicily.