The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Sergeant First Class John J. Leehang, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service while serving with the 2d Battalion, 1st Brigade, Border Transition Team, 3d Region Border Transition Team, in action against the enemy from 16 January 2006 to 25 February 2007, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq as a Border Transition Team NCOIC and Maintenance NCO contributed to the overwhelming success of the Command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Iraq Assistance Group, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Sergeant First Class John J. Leehang, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as the NCOIC and Team Maintenance NCO, Border Transition Team (B11 ) 4312. 1st Infantry Division. Iraqi Assistance Group (Forward), FOB Caldwell, Iraq, from 16 January to 25 February 2007 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM . Sergeant First Class Leehang demonstrated outstanding professional skill and knowledge as an advisor to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3d Region. Department of Border Enforcement (DEE) . He tirelessly coached, mentored, and advised his Iraqi battalion staff counterparts in the improvement of their operational readiness,. Enabling the unit become more combat effective and less dependent on coalition forces. Always eager to share his knowledge, Sergeant First Class Leehang expertly assessed the battalion’s shortfalls and needs, implementing the required management tools to improve a seriously degraded maintenance program. Using initiative and innovation, he assisted in obtaining needed repair parts, provided training on vehicle and equipment maintenance. And often gave freely of his time to repair unit equipment his Iraqi counterparts were unable to make operational on their own. Due to his unwavering commitment, the battalion was able to significantly improve their vehicle readiness. As the BTT NCOIC and Maintenance NCO. Sergeant First Class Leehang demonstrated his vast caring for fellow team members by ensuring that all vehicles, weapons, and equipment remained operational and ready for combat. He was proactive in securing maintenance support from a multitude of coalition units operating in the area, ensuring the unit never faced failure in battle. On his own initiative, he upgraded the team’s vehicles with needed safety equipment and armor packages, increasing his unit’s ability to fight and survive while fighting a tough, innovative and determined enemy. Sergeant First Class Leehang set the tone with his outstanding sense of personal courage in the face of danger as the team survived four IED attacks throughout the course of over 100 combat missions. He was always a dependable combat multiplier in any role during the entire deployment, most times serving as the machine gunner on the lead vehicle in convoys. Taken in whole, Sergeant First Class C Leehong’s personal efforts assured the team’s success and enabled its Iraqi counterparts to gain greater autonomy on the challenging battlefield of Iraq. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself. His Command, and the United States Army.