The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leonard A. Duston (ASN: 0-887694), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 May 1951, on a road near Habae-jae, Korea, Lieutenant Duston was in command of E Company’s Third Platoon, a part of a tank-infantry patrol traveling through country not cleared of the enemy in order to make contact with another friendly unit. At one point along the road, the patrol encountered enemy opposition, supported by small arms and automatic weapons fire from entrenchments on high ground parallel to the unit’s route of advance. Lieutenant Duston, acting decisively and quickly, dispersed the troops to vantage points from which a tactical assault could be made on the hostile positions. Due to the severity of the enemy fire, the platoon grew hesitant to continue the attack. Each time the advance tended to slow down, Lieutenant Duston, fearlessly charged forward exhorting his men to follow him. His actions inspired the troops to continue the attack and turn a possible ambush into a rout of the hostile forces. Lieutenant Duston’s gallant aggressiveness and determined leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
15th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 3, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 574 (December 24, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leonard A. Duston (ASN: 0-887694), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 October 1951, the 2d Battalion had the mission of seizing and securing Hill 400, located in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea. During the initial phases of the assault, Lieutenant Duston, S-2 of the Battalion, was occupying an observation post with other members of the Battalion Command Group. Observing the enemy moving up reinforcements, Lieutenant Duston left his position of cover and comparative safety and moved forward through intense enemy fire to an exposed position. From this site Lieutenant Duston brought such devastating supporting weapons fire to bear that the enemy reinforcements were completely cut off from their defending forces and were so dispersed that their reorganization was impossible. This action by Lieutenant Duston forced the enemy to withdraw and permitted the 2d Battalion to attain its objective. Lieutenant Duston then moved forward with the attacking unit and aided in organizing the battalion for the defense of their newly won objective. The heroism, initiative, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Duston reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 5th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 70 (1945)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Leonard A. Duston, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 5th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.