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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Staff Sergeant Leeward Warren Stockwell (ASN: 12005027), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. A small reconnaissance patrol, led by Staff Sergeant Stockwell, penetrated deep into enemy-held territory. When well within the enemy lines, the patrol was suddenly brought under the fire of a deeply entrenched German mortar company. Despite the lack of cover and concealment from the intense enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Stockwell, accompanied by another man, moved forward to close with the enemy. He worked his way to within 20 yards of the enemy position, at which point he threw hand grenades into the enemy dugouts causing heavy casualties. Without hesitation he and his comrade immediately charged into the enemy emplacements and fearlessly closed with the enemy forces. In this attack several of the enemy were killed and 12 prisoners were taken. The personal bravery, aggressiveness and courage displayed by Staff Sergeant Stockwell in the face of superior enemy forces exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 20, 1944
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 154 (August 14, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Leeward Warren Stockwell (ASN: 12005027), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company I, 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium, on 20 December 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Technician Fourth Grade

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 1 (January 28, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fourth Grade Leeward Warren Stockwell (ASN: 12005027), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily in 1943. While on a mission to establish n observation post, Sergeant Stockwell was subjected to heavy enemy fire. With intrepidity and skill, he successfully silenced an enemy stronghold with his rocket gun. Although severely wounded, he bravely fought on and attained his objective. Technician Fourth Grade Stockwell’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant]

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 9, 1944
    Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 34 (February 8, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Staff Sergeant] Leeward Warren Stockwell (ASN: 12005027), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Maine, France, on 9 August 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.