The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Leon Byrum (ASN: 36304057), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 32d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Limon, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 15 December 1944. Stationed at the Regimental Command Post, Staff Sergeant Byrum and the rest of the command were hit by a strong enemy artillery barrage, under the cover of which Japanese soldiers attempted to infiltrate the area. Sergeant Byrum killed one of the infiltrators and wounded a second who tried to escape. Staff Sergeant Byrum went after the wounded enemy soldier only find himself exposed to the fire of two enemy squads. Disregarding his own safety, Staff Sergeant Byrum engaged the two enemy forces with his rifle and pinned both of them down, disorganizing the attack on the Regiment Command Post. He then moved to prevent their escape from the area while continuing to fire. By this time, others of Sergeant Byrum’s squad came to his assistance, and together they eliminated seventeen of the attacking enemy soldiers. Staff Sergeant Byrum courageously saved the Regimental Command Post, thereby preventing the enemy from disruption of the ongoing attack against them. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.