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 Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star to Major Edward Watson Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-59295), United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against armed enemy forces while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam, on 3 August 1971. At Camp Plantation, a group of prisoners had been collaborating with the enemy. In spite of the knowledge that he would be informed on, which would result in severe punishment, Major Leonard deliberately approached the group in full view of his guard and ordered them to stop collaborating with the enemy. He was immediately placed in solitary confinement for nine months and severely punished. By his heroic stand against the enemy, Major Leonard demonstrated devotion to duty and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Captain Edward Watson Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-59295), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 9 and 10 November 1967, in Southeast Asia. On those dates, Captain Leonard participated on an extremely hazardous rescue effort for three helicopter crews downed amidst a battle field. He contributed directly and significantly to the recovery of the seven survivors under the worst conditions possible. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Leonard has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Captain Edward Watson Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-59295), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 5 November 1967. On that date, Captain Leonard participated on a search and rescue effort for a downed pilot in North Vietnam. He contributed directly and significantly to the recovery of the downed pilot under the worst conditions possible. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Leonard has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Captain Edward Watson Leonard, Jr. (AFSN: FR-59295), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider Pilot of the 602d Fighter Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, on 31 May 1968, in Southeast Asia. On that date, Captain Leonard led a search and rescue effort for an American pilot who had been forced to abandon his aircraft over hostile territory. Despite continuous barrages of withering ground fire from a multitude of gun positions, Captain Leonard pressed the search for the downed pilot. Captain Leonard’s aircraft ultimately received so much damage that he was forced to abandon it. His search pinpointed the defending gun positions and materially assisted in locating the downed pilot’s position, leading to the eventual success of the rescue. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Leonard has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.