The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Ronald Robert Leonard (ASN: OF-113735), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Leonard distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 20 to 23 November 1967 while serving as an infantry company commander during a combat mission at Dak To. His company was called to reinforce a sister unit which was engaged in a raging battle with a combined force of Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army soldiers on Hill 875. Arriving at the beleaguered unit’s position on the afternoon of 20 November, Captain Leonard established his command post and positioned his troops in the most vulnerable sector of the friendly perimeter. He then directed artillery and air strikes on the fortified enemy positions which were only fifty meters to the front of his own location. The following morning, he personally led a fierce assault up the hill. Despite withering North Vietnamese mortar and automatic weapons fire, he continued to encourage and direct his troops’ attack until they were forced to withdraw at nightfall. Lethal air strikes were called in on the well fortified enemy bunker system the next day, and Captain Leonard courageously chose to remain in a forward position to adjust the incoming support fire. He was so close to the insurgents that, on one occasion, a napalm strike hit between him and his men. Shortly before noon on 23 November, he braved a hail of bullets to lead a final assault against the determined enemy. Although wounded by shrapnel from an exploding enemy mortar, he refused evacuation and continued to attack. His fearless and inspiring leadership contributed to an overwhelming victory. Captain Leonard’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.