Citation...
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty:
Private First Class Leonard M. Kravitz distinguished himself by
acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty
while serving as an assistant machinegunner with Company M, 5th
Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division during combat operations
against an armed enemy in Yangpyong, Korea on March 6 and 7, 1951.
After friendly elements had repulsed two probing attacks, the
enemy launched a fanatical banzai charge with heavy supporting fire
and, despite staggering losses, pressed the assault with ruthless
determination. When the machinegunner was wounded in the initial
phase of the action, Private First Class Kravitz immediately seized
the weapon and poured devastating fire into the ranks of the
onrushing assailants. The enemy effected and exploited a breach on
the left flank, rendering the friendly positions untenable.
Upon order to withdraw, Private First Class Kravitz voluntarily
remained to provide protective fire for the retiring elements.
Detecting enemy troops moving toward friendly positions, Private
First Class Kravitz swept the hostile soldiers with deadly, accurate
fire, killing the entire group. His destructive retaliation caused
the enemy to concentrate vicious fire on his position and enabled
the friendly elements to withdraw. Later, after friendly troops had
returned, Private First Class Kravitz was found dead behind the gun
he had so heroically manned, surrounded by numerous enemy dead.
Private First Class Kravitz's extraordinary heroism and
selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call
of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the
United States Army.
Medal of Honor Ceremony on March 18, 2014
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