Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

2nd Battalion, Prince Alberts Own Somerset Light Infantry

Awarded on:

April 26th, 1945

Citation:
"'Map Ref Sheet Italy 99/I 50,000 - On 23rd November 1944 at the crossing of the River Cosina (364191) Corporal Leeks was commanding a section in "C" Company which company was ordered to pass through "B" Company to enlarge the bridgehead. While passing across the river, Corporal Leeks' platoon came under heavy shell fire which wounded the platoon Sergeant. Corporal Leeks having got his section across, came back and assisted the Platoon Commander in passing across the other two sections. During the subsequent advance both leading sections came under heavy enemy small arms fire and were pinned down in the open. The other section commander was killed. Corporal Leeks then took command of both sections and directed their fire, personally exposing himself both to pin-point enemy positions and to get a wounded man back. Corporal Leeks then manoeuvred both sections to a covered position from which a successful assault was made. Throughout the action, Corporal Leeks displayed a very high standard of personal courage and leadership, but for which it is unlikely that his platoon would have gained their objective."