Leadership Under Fire: The Valor of Plt. Sgt. Matthew Leonard

Matthew Leonard's platoon came under sudden attack by a large enemy force using small arms, automatic weapons, and hand grenades. Despite the platoon leader and several key leaders being among the first to be wounded, Plt. Sgt. Leonard swiftly rallied his men, repelling the initial assaults. During a brief lull in the fighting, he organized a defensive perimeter, redistributed ammunition, and encouraged his comrades with strong leadership and motivating words. Spotting a wounded soldier outside the perimeter, Leonard dragged him to safety, despite being hit by a sniper’s bullet that shattered his left hand.

Refusing medical attention, Leonard continued to expose himself to heavy enemy fire as the attack resumed. Moving from position to position, he directed his men’s fire against the well-concealed enemy. Under cover of the main assault, the enemy set up a machine gun that threatened to sweep the entire perimeter. The danger escalated when the platoon's machine gun malfunctioned. Leonard crawled to the gun, attempting to fix it, when the gunner and nearby soldiers were wounded by enemy fire.

Without hesitation, Leonard stood, charged the enemy machine gun, and destroyed the crew, despite being hit multiple times. Gravely wounded, he propped himself against a tree and continued to engage the enemy until he succumbed to his injuries. His fighting spirit, heroic leadership, and bravery inspired his platoon to hold their ground until reinforcements arrived.