Leroy Brandon

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to LeRoy Brandon (6701322), Pharmacist’s Mate First Class, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman aboard the U.S.S. LST ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE (LST-181), during military operations against the enemy at Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 20 October 1944. When his ship received eleven direct hits from enemy artillery, igniting two trucks loaded with ammunition, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Brandon left his station and proceeded to the vicinity of the fire in an endeavor to reach the wounded, thereby exposing himself to bursting ammunition and hand grenades. While carrying one of the casualties away from the fire, he was severely wounded, but in spite of his injury continued to carry the casualty to the dressing station until he collapsed from loss of blood. By his courage and efforts in behalf of others at great risk to his own life, Pharmacist’s Mate First Class Brandon undoubtedly saved many lives, and his steadfast devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0122 (January 6, 1945)