Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Headquarters 96th Infantry Division
APO 96, c/o PM, San Francisco, Calif.

Citation:

Technical Sergeant Leonard C. Wahlstrom, 39675418, Infantry, United States Army. For meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy on Okinawa Island on 29 April 1945. Technical Sergeant Wahlstrom led his platoon of anti-tank guns to the base of a hill. The enemy on his front had prevented our troops from advancing by their intense machine gun, artillery, mortar and sniper fire. In order to move his guns into position on the top of the hill, it was necessary to have his men tow their guns by hand. After designating the firing positions to the squad leaders, Technical Sergeant Wahlstrom supervised the pulling of the guns up the hill. Although mortar and sniper fire were falling on the hill, persistent efforts made good the movement of the anti-tank guns. After Technical Sergeant Wahlstrom’s anti-tank guns were in position, even though being fully exposed to the enemy, who held the commanding ground, he went from gun to gun directing effective fire on the enemy positions. It was the supporting fire by these guns that enabled the troops to move forward and assist in securing their objective which, up until this time, had been stalemated. Through the untiring efforts of Technical Sergeant Wahlstrom, his platoon destroyed several machine gun positions and sealed ten caves. Technical Sergeant Wahlstrom’s heroic direction of fire undoubtedly aided in the advance of our troops. His courage and disregard for personal safety reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

By command of Major General Bradley:
-signed

E. R. Autrey
Lt Col., A.G.D.,
Adjutant General