The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Osmund Alfred Leahy (ASN: 0-23106), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 2d Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Normandy, France, on 5 July 1944. While the 325th Glider Infantry was advancing south it encountered an enemy strongpoint that opened a gap between the first and third battalion to delay its advance, and forced the first battalion to delay its advance. This battalion had been greatly weakened by constant combat and had only a 30-man reserve. It was widely extended through a heavily wooded area and fields bordered with hedgerows which limited visibility to 50 yards. Major Leahy made a personal reconnaissance along the enemy front lines on the basis of which he was able to dispose his men and hold off a heavy hostile counterattack until two of our medium tanks arrived. He then organized his men around the two tanks and personally led them in the assault. He led his men skillfully and within almost point-blank range of the strong-point and utilized them to such advantage that he was able to effect the complete annihilation of the enemy at that point and capture their position. Nearly every German defending this point was killed or captured. Its reduction enabled the 325th Glider Infantry to continue its advance to the south. 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 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.