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R E S T R I C T E D
HEADQUARTERS XVIII CORPS (AIRBORNE)
APO 2109, United States Army
CITATION FOR THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Leonard A. Funk, Jr., 33070198,
First Sergeant, 508th Parachute Infantry, United States Army, for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an
armed enemy on 18 September 1944 in Holland. With great courage,
intrepidity, and on his own initiative, Sergeant Funk led a three-men patrol
against a German flak battery of three 20-mm guns which were firing on
American gliders then circling to land. He drove off all enemy security
around the guns and led an assault which killed approximately twenty members
of the crews and inflicted other casualties. The flak guns were silenced
before effective fire could be placed upon the aircraft, due to the
courageous and heroic actions of Sergeant Funk. The courageous action of
Sergeant Funk contributed, in large part, to the prompt seizure of his
company objective, and assisted in driving the enemy from the landing zone.
His initiative, outstanding bravery, and strong personal leadership, despite
overwhelming enemy superiority in both numbers and firepower, enabled him to
render a distinguished service in the destruction of enemy resistance. His
conduct reflects the highest traditions of the Army of the United States.
Entered military service from Pennsylvania.
M . B. RIDGWAY
Major
General, U.S. Army
Commanding
R E S T R I C T E D
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