Staff Sergeant O’LEARY,while engaged in his duties on the bomb run, sustained severe injury to his forearm during an unusual heavy accurate and intense anti-aircraft barrage. Although in extreme pain and weak from loss of blood, he displayed unusual fortitude in fighting to retain consciousness until he could complete his job and return to his guns to ward off imminent enemy fighter aircraft attacks. He remained at his post through out the entire flight to the base and refused to take first aid treatment until the aircraft was well over territory where normally anti-aircraft fire and fighter attacks were not in evidence. Staff Sergeant O’leary’s courage and devotion to duty have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States of America.

S/SGT. O’Leary joined the Legion of Valor in 1946.