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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Leon Stewart Eubanks, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. BONEFISH (SS-223), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine from 12 January to 15 March 1944, as Executive Officer, Navigator, and Assistant Approach Officer. His submarine successfully engaged Japanese enemy merchant and naval forces with torpedo and gunfire, resulting in a credited total of 21,272 tons sunk and 19,425 tons damaged. Throughout this patrol his submarine operated in enemy controlled waters in close proximity to strong and numerous enemy military and naval forces and was attacked repeatedly by depth charges, aerial bombs and shell fire. Despite the strong enemy countermeasures encountered, his vessel effectively repaired the damages received, and successfully completed her mission. By his outstanding performance of duty in the training of the officers and men of his ship and the meritorious manner in which he aided in controlling the torpedo and gunfire attacks delivered, he contributed largely to the heavy damage inflicted on the enemy and to the safe return of his vessel to port. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bonefish (SS-223)

    Action Date:

    September 16 – October 21, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01664 (June 25, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Leon Stewart Eubanks, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. BONEFISH (SS-223) as First Lieutenant, Gunnery and Torpedo Officer, during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine from 16 September to 21 October 1943. His submarine successfully attacked Japanese shipping with a credited total of 40,206 tons sunk and 5,864 tons damaged, winning the commendation of the Commander SEVENTH Fleet and the award of the Navy Cross for his Commanding Officer. Throughout this patrol his vessel operated in enemy controlled waters in constant close proximity to strong and numerous enemy military and naval forces and was attacked repeatedly by depth charges, aerial bombs, and shellfire. The outstandingly cool and courageous manner in which he aided in controlling the torpedo fire and gunfire in the attacks delivered under the trying conditions of battle; and the brave, calm, and inspiring manner in which he controlled his station while under shellfire on the surface and while subjected to depth charging and bombing submerged, contributed largely to the heavy damage delivered the enemy and to the safe return of this vessel to port, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.