Melvin H. Leonard

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Melvin H. Leonard, First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Soissons, France, July 18, 1918. Although impeded by a very painful wound, Lieutenant Leonard continued to lead his company, through a first and second attack on the enemy, though barely able to walk. Upon gaining his objective he supervised the consolidation of the position, under severe shell fire, and remained until his company was relieved.