CAPTAIN LELAND G. CAGWIN, Infantry, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in January 1943 at Guadalcanal. in an attack upon an enemy bivouac area when the members of the patrol began to hesitate because of heavy enemy fire, Captain Cagwin advanced to the front and led the men against the enemy-held ridge they were storming. In spite of heavy fire from automatic weapons, the patrol cut through the defense, captured one 77mm gun and one heavy machine gun, and killed 78 enemy soldiers. The following day, January 16, he led a second patrol into an enemy controlled area, personally killing five enemy soldiers, and leading in the rout of the opposing forces. On a third occasion, Captain Cagwin led a small patrol into another enemy bivouac area, and personally captured an enemy noncommissioned officer, who furnished information valuable for further action.

General Cagwin was a LIFE MEMBER of the Legion of Valor and resided in Northern California.