Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

2nd Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

July 29th, 1944

"For gallantry in action while serving with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against the enemy at Normandy, France, on 5 July 1944."

HQ, 82d Airborne Division, G.O. No. 41 (1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

401st Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 30th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"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. His actions were a great credit to his unit and the military service."

HQ, 82d Airborne Division, G.O. No. 60 (1944).
Second Silver Star awarded in the form of a bronze oak leaf to be worn on the ribbon of the First Silver Star.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

HQ, 2nd Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 24th, 1945

"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."

HQ, 82d Airborne Division, G.O. No. 21 (1945).
Third Silver Star awarded in the form of a second oak leaf cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

3rd Battalion, 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

February 22nd, 1946

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Recommendation:
For having distinguished himself by having performed courageous and tactful acts during the fighting by the 82nd Airborne Division during the months of September and October 1944 in the vicinity of the city of Nijmegen.
Having set a praiseworthy example in all respects under most difficult conditions.


Royal decree no.11, 22 February 1946.

Period:

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

Rank:

Major General

Unit:

HQ, Sixth Army, U.S. Army

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, SIXTH Army, from 1970 to 1972."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)