Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer One (W-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    August 24, 1969

    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 35 (January 3, 1970)

    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 Warrant Officer One (W-1) Arnold Doss Leak, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 24 August 1969, while serving with the 187th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Lead distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commander of the lead aircraft of a flight in support of allied infantry. An ambush had pinned the ground force down until they managed to withdraw to a better tactical site. During the maneuvering, the unit reached a perilous low in ammunition and the outcome of the battle depended on the successful re-supply. Warrant Officer Leak volunteered for the re-supply mission. After contacting the Command and Control aircraft and picking up the supplies, the re-supply ship flew to the area of contact. The ground element had no smoke grenades to mark the landing zone and the troops were not visible due to terrain and cover. He began his approach flying low-level to make maximum use of the surprise element and to avoid long exposure to enemy fire. Immediately after touching down near the troops, heavy enemy fire threatened to destroy the aircraft. Having delivered the critical supply of ammunition, he quickly maneuvered over enemy positions and out of the hostile landing zone. Soon, another re-supply was summoned and again Warrant Officer Leak volunteered. He again flew low-level by verbal direction into the hostile landing zone to successfully deliver supplies. As a result of Warrant Officer Leak’s prompt and courageous actions, the ground element was able to gain fire superiority and successfully complete their mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.