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 Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps), [then Major] Richard E. Leary (ASN: 0-36767), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as a member of the 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Leary distinguished himself in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in the vicinity of Neudstadt, Germany, on 14 January 1945. On three separate occasions, Colonel Leary turned back to engage an overwhelming force of more than forty enemy fighters, which were attacking his flights. With utter disregard for personal safety, he repeatedly attacked to divert and disrupt the enemy’s intentions, and to enable his squadron to reform to a defense formation. Before being “bracketed in” by twelve enemy fighters, and receiving damage to his aircraft, Colonel Leary had destroyed two enemy aircraft. The gallantry and heroism displayed by Colonel Leary reflect great credit on himself and the Army Air Forces.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Richard E. Leary (ASN: 0-36767), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a Fighter Airplaine of the 397th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Leary, 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 Air Forces.