The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William Leonard (MCSN: 30384103), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Republic of Vietnam. On 14 January 1970, while Corporal Leonard’s unit was heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army force, the Marines were pinned down by intense fir from enemy soldiers occupying a well-fortified bunker complex. Realizing the need for immediate action, Corporal Leonard unhesitatingly ran across the fire-swept terrain and, with complete disregard for his own safety, single-handedly initiated an aggressive assault against one of the fortified positions. Standing in full view of the hostile soldiers, he threw hand grenades through the aperture of the bunker, silencing the fire from that emplacement and killing the three occupants. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting around him, he then moved to a second fortification and attacked the occupants with hand grenades and rifle fire. However, having become a vulnerable target for the hostile gunners, he was mortally wounded while engaged in this selfless task. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and, by attracting the attention of the enemy, enabled his companions to overrun the hostile emplacements. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Leonard contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.