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 Private Leonard L. Eggleston, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 26 July 1944, in France. On that date, near Jolimment, France, the enemy launched a combined infantry and tank attack against the left flank of A Company, 121st Infantry. Private Eggleston, a machine gunner, fired on the advancing enemy infantrymen repulsing their attack. During this severe enemy action, he was wounded by a German hand grenade. Still at his gun, he continued to fire until again wounded by return fire from the guns of an advancing enemy tank. Private Eggleston, heedless of his wounds, fired the last available round from a rocket launcher at the tank. Upon missing, he then seized an M-1 rifle and fired an anti-tank grenade which hit the turret of the tank forcing it to withdraw. Private Eggleston’s aggressive actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.