The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Leroy M. Sleeper (MCSN: 975436), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of a Machine Gun Squad of Company L, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the battle for Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 2 April 1945. When his machine-gun squad was ordered to cover the withdrawal of an infantry platoon trapped by the enemy and suffering extremely heavy casualties, Private Sleeper, with his squad, took a position within fifty yards of the Japanese-infested caves concealed in the small ridges on both sides of a valley. On placing the gun in position, the squad was met with furious hostile machine-gun and rifle fire which wounded both the gunner and assistant gunner. Determined to provide the cover necessary for the withdrawal of his comrades from their exposed position, Private Sleeper ran over the top of a ridge and, with the full volume of the enemy’s fire concentrated on him, succeeded in hurling a white phosphorous smoke grenade before he himself was fatally struck down. As a result of this heroic action, the units were able to withdraw with their wounded under the protective cover of smoke and continue the fight from a more advantageous position. His courageous spirit of self-sacrifice and his devotion to duty sustained and enhanced the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.