(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Class Leonard J. Gordon, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as fist gunner with a machine gun squad, with an Infantry Company the 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 10 and 11 March 1944. On Hill 260, Private Gordon was assigned the mission of preventing the enemy from using a vital route for moving supplies and reinforcements. He cleared the trail with machine gun fire, killing 12 Japanese in the first few hours of action. That night, two Japanese infiltrated through the lines and attempted to knock the gun out of action. Private Gordon killed both of them with hand grenades. When his leader was wounded, he assumed command of his squad and went on to lead his men in an advance, destroying two enemy machine guns, and killing both crews. Still under heavy enemy fire, he crawled back a few yards and obtained a rifle with which he killed two more Japanese. A short time later he was himself wounded. Private First Class Gordon’s extraordinary heroism, 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 and the United States Army.