- SURNAME
Klein
- FORENAME
Leonard
- UNIT
1st Marine Parachute Battalion (Company A)
- RANK
Private First Class
- NUMBER
450168
- AWARD
Distinguished Service Cross
- PLACE
Bougainville, 28th December 1943
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA - See Roll of Honour
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/klein-leonard.59846/CITATION:
Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Leonard Klein (MCSN: 450168), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Parachute Battalion, First Marine Amphibious Corps, in action against the enemy near the Torokina River, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 28 December 1943. When heavy enemy mortar, machine gun and rifle fire from a heavily fortified series of concealed pill-boxes and rifle pits held up the advance of a combat patrol of the 1st Marine Parachute Battalion whose mission was to destroy an enemy outpost one half mile east of the Torokina River, Private First Class Klein and a comrade moved forward in the face of the hostile fire and quickly destroyed two emplacements with grenades and demolitions charges. Then, on his own initiative, he charged forward to the remaining positions where he engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat and inflicted severe casualties before he was killed. Through his intrepid, voluntary assault without regard for his own safety and at the cost of his life, Private First Class Callahan enabled his patrol to overcome the enemy and continue the advance, setting a lasting example of heroism for his comrades-in-arms. The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by Private First Class Klein on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
