The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Osmund Alfred Leahy (ASN: 0-23106), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 401st Glider Infantry Regiment,. 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944 about one mile from ****, Holland. Major Leahy was commanding the 2d Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, during an attack when the advance of the battalion was halted by heavy machine gun and small arms fire. Major Leahy, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, moved about in an area where several men had just been wounded and personally directed the fire of tanks and coordinated it with the fire of infantrymen so that he was able to maintain the momentum of the advance. Throughout the day and during a continuation of the attack that night, Major Leahy repeatedly moved to critical points, calmly directed the attack and insured its eventual success. He was a constant inspiration to his men and displayed in every way the highest qualities of leadership, tactical skill and utter fearlessness. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Leahy, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Osmund Alfred Leahy (ASN: 0-23106), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 7 January 1945, near ****, Belgium. When a sudden tank attack halted the advance of his battalion and threatened to disorganize it, Lieutenant Colonel Leahy went immediately, under heavy close range fire from supporting artillery, to the most exposed company. Narrowly escaping death when a shell killed five men near him, Lieutenant Colonel Leahy imperturbably continued with the business of getting the exposed elements of his battalion to higher and more sheltered ground. Lieutenant Colonel Leahy himself remained on open ground exposed to the fire of the tanks until all his men had moved to cover. His prompt action and his example of great personal courage minimized the disorganization caused by the armored attack and insured the accomplishment of the battalion mission without delay. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Leahy, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.