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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Armor) Edward Thomas Leach (ASN: 0-1688455), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of the 3d Reconnaissance Company, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 9 December 1950, in the vicinity of Wonsan, Korea, while seeking a patrol that had been sent on a mission three hours earlier, Lieutenant Leach rounded a corner to find the scout section of this patrol pinned down by a tremendous volume of enemy small arms fire. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Leach jumped from his vehicle and ran through this enemy fire to the beleaguered section. His action encouraged the men, and under his leadership the fire of the unit was so well coordinated that the enemy was forced to flee. The outstanding courage, initiative and leadership displayed by Lieutenant Leach reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Korean War)

    Action Date:

    April 25, 1951 – MIA In Captivity
    Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Personnel Office

    First Lieutenant Edward Thomas Leach (ASN: 0-01688455), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War after he was captured on 25 April 1951 during the Korean War. He was unaccounted for after the war and is presumed to have died or been killed while in captivity.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 14, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 70 (March 21, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Armor) Edward Thomas Leach (ASN: 0-1688455), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Reconnaissance Company, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On the morning of 14 February 1951, near Tunjon, Korea an enemy force of approximately two hundred and fifty attacked the positions of the 3d Reconnaissance Company. Lieutenant Leach immediately began to establish a defensive perimeter in a rice paddy two hundred yards to the rear of the original positions. Shortly after the first enemy attack a critical shortage of ammunition developed. Lieutenant Leach, disregarding his own personal safety, voluntarily ran through a volley of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire to the original positions to retrieve ammunition for the beleaguered company. Later he again braved the heavy enemy fire to procure more ammunition. The courage and fortitude displayed by Lieutenant Leach enabled the company to defeat the enemy attack and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.