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), [then Second Lieutenant] Leonard J. Kraus (ASN: 0-1319844), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 10 July 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Kraus was assigned to duty with a cannon company of an infantry unit which was beset by a fierce hostile counterattack. The counterattack, preceded by a heavy concentration of mortar and artillery fire and spearheaded with several tanks, threatened to cause our forces to withdraw in confusion. Sensing the danger and the need for immediate action, First Lieutenant Kraus risked his life to run out into the open and supervise cannon fire which held the enemy attack long enough for our forces to reorganize and successfully from a new defense. By his actions, First Lieutenant Kraus turned a threatened defeat into a vigorous repulse of the enemy counterthrust. The soldiership, personal courage, and aggressive determination displayed by First Lieutenant Kraus merit great credit for himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leonard J. Kraus (ASN: 0-1319844), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 18 September 1944, in Holland. First Lieutenant Kraus was serving as Commander of the Cannon Company of an infantry unit and was advancing into enemy territory. Forward elements of the advancing troops were fired upon and casualties were inflicted, including First Lieutenant Kraus’ radio operator. Disregarding the advice of his companions and at great risk to his life, First Lieutenant Kraus immediately ran to the wounded radio operator, administered first aid, and carrying him in his arms attempted to return him to safety. A machine gun burst from an enemy position severely wounded First Lieutenant Kraus. The complete unselfishness and bravery manifested in this heroic deed served as an inspiration to his fellow officers and men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Kraus, 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leonard J. Kraus (ASN: 0-1319844), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 July 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Kraus was assigned to duty as a Forward Observer for cannon elements of an infantry organization. The infantry forces which his cannon were supporting were advancing against the enemy when a violent counter-attack, led by German tanks and armored vehicles, halted the advance and threatened to force a withdrawal. With complete disregard for his personal safety, First Lieutenant Kraus moved to a position far in advance of the leading infantry assault elements in order to adjust cannon fire on the enemy. Despite enemy small arms, mortar, and artillery fire which continually fell in the area, First Lieutenant Kraus remained calmly at his post until his radio equipment was destroyed, and he was forced to withdraw. As a result of his cool efficiency in the face of danger, our forces were successful in repulsing he enemy counter-attack and capturing their objective. The personal bravery and determined devotion to duty exhibited by First Lieutenant Kraus reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.