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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Leonard S. Banks (ASN: 2213782), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company G, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the Foret-de-Fere, France, 23 July 1918. Badly wounded while on patrol Private Banks returned to his company to get assistance for wounded comrades. He then volunteered and led the first-aid men through heavy gas and shell bombardment to the place where his wounded comrades were.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    4th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Leonard S. Banks (ASN: 2213782), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company G, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Private Banks was badly wounded on patrol in the Foret de Fere on 23 July 1918. He returned to his company for help for his wounded comrades. He then volunteered to lead the first aid men through the heavy gas and shell bombardment to the spot where his wounded comrades were. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]