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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
May 9, 1968 – 5 March 1973
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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam & North Vietnam)Action Date:
October 1971
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 56 (December 31, 1974)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Stephen Ryder Leopold (ASN: 0-5341282/16890680), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in October 1971. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials. Master Sergeant Anderson resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which demonstrated great devotion to duty and country in accord with the finest traditions of the military services.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
May 9, 1968 – March 5, 1973
Captain (Infantry) Stephen Ryder Leopold (ASN: 0-5341282/16890680), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from May 9, 1968 until his release on March 5, 1973.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
July 26, 2004
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Stephen Ryder Leopold (ASN: 0-5341282/16890680), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service while serving in positions of increased responsibility, culminating as the Commander, Fourth Brigade (Field Exercise), Eighty-Fifth Division (Exercise). During a distinguished career spanning over thirty-one years, Colonel Leopold’s performance of duty has always been exemplary. From serving in the Republic of Vietnam and being held captive as a prisoner of war for fifty-eight months to being selected as the Eighty-Fifth Division’s Fourth Field Exercise Brigade Commander, Colonel Leopold has never lost sight of duty, honor and country. Colonel Leopold’s selfless dedication, principled devotion to duty, and professional conduct were infectious, always of the highest order, and have left a lasting legacy for others to emulate. Colonel Leopold’s numerous contributions in service to our nation are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.