The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Stephen Ryder Leopold (ASN: 0-5341282/16890680), United States Army, for heroism as a Prisoner of War engaged in operations against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam on 16 March 1973 in the position of Assistant Unit Historian. He compiled a remarkably complete list of names, dates, and events which he cunningly smuggled from Hanoi Hilton prison camp. Even though there was a great risk of being caught and punished, and possibly not being released, he concealed papers on his person and successfully evaded detection of these documents in searches by North Vietnamese guards just prior to release as a prisoner of war. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Stephen Ryder Leopold (ASN: 0-5341282/16890680), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service to the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 9 May 1968 to 5 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.