The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Leonard Raymond Swanson (NSN: 0-99819), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), assigned to an attack upon an enemy heavy cruiser in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, on 5 November 1944. In spite of enemy air opposition and intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Swanson pressed his attack extremely low, scored a direct hit, and contributed appreciably to the sinking of this enemy warship. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Leonard Raymond Swanson (NSN: 0-99819), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), while on a search flight over enemy territory in the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Swanson sighted nineteen enemy ships, about five of which were believed to be warships, and in spite of intense continuous anti-aircraft fire he made a one-plane bombing attack with one fighter escort after first successfully reporting the contact. In addition he persistently strafed and inflicted much damage upon the enemy. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.