Navy Federal Credit Union

Leonard Kravitz was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. In 2002 a review of the DSC awards was called for by Congress, and his award was one of 24 DSCs upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regimental Combat Team

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 6 & 7, 1951

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 5 (January 15, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Leonard Martin Kravitz (ASN: RA-12322776), United States Army, for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company M, 3d Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy in Yangpyong, Korea on 6 and 7 March 1951. After friendly elements had repulsed two probing attacks, the enemy launched a fanatical banzai charge with heavy supporting fire and, despite staggering losses, pressed the assault with ruthless determination. When the machine gunner was wounded in the initial phase of the action, Private First Class Kravitz immediately seized the weapon and poured devastating fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants. The enemy effected and exploited a breach on the left flank, rendering the friendly positions untenable. Upon order to withdraw, Private First Class Kravitz voluntarily remained to provide protective fire for the retiring elements. Detecting enemy troops moving toward friendly positions, Private First Class Kravitz swept the hostile soldiers with deadly, accurate fire, killing the entire group. His destructive retaliation caused the enemy to concentrate vicious fire on his position and enabled the friendly elements to withdraw. Later, after friendly troops had returned, Private First Class Kravitz was found dead behind the gun he had so heroically manned, surrounded by numerous enemy dead. Private First Class Kravitz’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.