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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth F. McLeod (MCSN: 0-5122), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 23 and 24 November 1943. Fearlessly encountering bitter hostile resistance on the Japanese-held Island of Betio, Lieutenant Colonel McLeod courageously led his Battalion in relentless, determined attacks against strongly defended hostile positions, contributing materially to the destruction of all Japanese in the area and to the occupation of Tarawa in the shortest possible time and with a minimum of loss to his own command. Lieutenant Colonel McLeod’s forceful and inspiring leadership, his valiant fighting spirit and outstanding fortitude in the face of grave peril were essential factors in the success of our sustained drive against a fanatic enemy in the Pacific war area and his unwavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Regiment:

    6th Marines

    Division:

    2d Marine Division

    Action Date:

    June 25, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 12650 (January 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth F. McLeod (MCSN: 0-5112), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Executive Officer of the Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 25 June 1944. A brilliant and forceful leader in the face of tremendous odds, Lieutenant Colonel McLeod repeatedly exposed himself to withering enemy machine-gun and mortar fire to make observations of Japanese dispositions far in advance of our front lines, obtaining accurate and vital information essential to our forces in carrying on further operations against the enemy. Established in a forward observation post swept by hostile fire on 25 June, he boldly faced the fierce barrage to direct the activities of his regiment more effectively, but was mortally wounded during the bitter engagement. By his indomitable fighting spirit, his great personal valor and expert professional ability, Lieutenant Colonel McLeod contributed essentially to the success of our sustained drive toward the capture of this important Japanese stronghold. His inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel McLeod, his command and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.