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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 First Class Garrett Van Winkle Leeker (ASN: 550897), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Romagne, France, 9 October 1918. In the attack on Hill 253 Private Leeker took command of his platoon after the platoon leader and the sergeant had become casualties. He reorganized the platoon under fire and fearlessly led it to its objective. He fell mortally wounded while leading his men in the attack.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 11, 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), Corporal Carrett Leeker (ASN: 550897), 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 F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Romagne, France, on 11 October 1918, when his platoon was held up by heavy machine gun fire, with great courage and disregard for his own life, Corporal Leeker encouraged his men by his example and gained his objective. He was killed in this action. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 11, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (June 3, 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 First Class Garrett Leeker (ASN: 550897), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private First Class Leeker distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Romagne, France, 11 October 1918, and by his brilliant leadership. [This award was rescinded under GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 9 (August 1, 1920) as the recipient has been awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for deed including this act.]