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 a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Armor) James Herbert Leach (ASN: 0-1012388/0-48718), United States Army, for gallantry in actions while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 17 July 1969 while serving as the Commanding Officer of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. When the 3d Squadron became engaged in combat with an enemy force, Colonel Leach immediately proceeded to the area. Learning that six wounded people were assembled on Highway 13 and judging that the medical evacuation ship would not arrive for approximately another fifteen minutes, Colonel Leach decided to land his command and control helicopter and evacuate the wounded. Upon landing the ship received such intense enemy fire that it was forced to take off and immediately make gun runs to suppress the enemy fire. He then ordered his ship to land at which time it successfully evacuated the wounded. After delivering the wounded to a medical facility, Colonel Leach returned to the scene of action and helped suppress the enemy by coordinating the efforts of the squadron on the ground and the supporting elements in the area. He also assisted on several occasions when he used his command and control helicopter as a gunship. Colonel Leach’s gallant actions was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Armor) James Herbert Leach (ASN: 0-1012388/0-48718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 June 1969 while serving as the commanding officer of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while conducting an aerial reconnaissance operation, he observed that another helicopter carrying the commander of the regiment’s Air Cavalry Troop had been shot down by intense enemy automatic weapons fire. He flew toward the scene of the crash and began placing suppressive fire on the hostile positions, although his aircraft quickly came under intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Upon reaching the downed helicopter, Colonel Leach, continuing to disregard the hostile fusillade, helped to load the wounded crew members on board his aircraft and then remained on the ground to organize an assault on the enemy positions. While continuing to place rifle fire on the hostile troops, he directed friendly armored vehicles in overrunning and routing the enemy force. Colonel Leach’s courage, leadership, devotion to duty and deep concern for the welfare of his men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.