Leonard A. Funk

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Leonard Alfred Funk, Jr. (ASN: 33070198), United States Army, for gallantry in action from 6 to 17 June 1944, in Normandy, France. First Sergeant Funk, Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, after the Normandy jump, though suffering from a badly sprained ankle, gathered a group of eighteen men and set a route of march which he believed would lead the group to friendly lines. With unerring accuracy he led this group across twenty miles of enemy infested territory. During the major portion of the journey he acted as lead scout, refusing to jeopardize the safety of his men after three scouts had been lost. The group traveled by night and after numerous encounters with enemy groups, First Sergeant Funk led them through the MLR to the security of our forces. First Sergeant Funk’s courage and determination was responsible for the group’s safe return, and reflects great credit upon himself