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 Captain [then Commander] Leo William Nilon (NSN: 0-61470), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander Destroyer Division TWENTY, in action against enemy forces during the amphibious invasion of Southern France in August 1944. Demonstrating exceptional skill, Captain Nilon directed the ships of his division during the conduct of shore bombardments, screening operations and close-in spotting missions in the initial phase of the assault. Coolly and judiciously stationing his units in the invasion area, he enabled them to provide valuable spotting information to Allied capital ships and cruisers and to open fire at a moment’s notice on targets of opportunity. Braving the constant danger from enemy gunfire and densely laid minefields, he took up a position close to the hostile shore at one extremity of the left flank and, supplying accurate and complete reports on the progress of landing operations, assisted the Task Force Commander in directing extensive fire support operations without endangering friendly troops. By his leadership and devotion to duty, Captain Nilon contributed materially to the early collapse of enemy defenses in the area and to the rapid and secure establishments of the Allied beachhead, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Leo William Nilon (NSN: 0-61470), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander Destroyer Division TWENTY, in action against enemy forces during the amphibious assault on Normandy, France, and the bombardment of enemy shore batteries at Cherbourg, France, in June 1944. Courageous in the face of heavy enemy fire from numerous powerful coastal batteries, Captain Nilon maneuvered the ships under his command to their assigned stations and efficiently directed their operations in carrying out their missions. Charged with the task of screening the battleships during the bombardment of Cherbourg, he led his ships through an intense hostile barrage to lay protecting smoke screens between the battleships and the enemy batteries, probably saving the battleships from serious damage. Captain Nilon’s aggressive leadership and tactical knowledge served as an inspiration to his entire command and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.