For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 11 July 1943, in Sicily. When the enemy hurled an attack of 30 to 40 tanks against the recently established beachhead, Second Lieutenant Scott together with several other officers and men became separated from his organization. He then fearlessly left a concealed position and made his way over hundreds of yards of heavily shelled terrain in the path of the approaching tanks to reach an abandoned anti-tank gun. Lieutenant Scott remained at this position engaging the enemy until he was seriously wounded.

Second Lieutenant Scott’s devotion to duty and heroism materially contributed to the defeat of the enemy forces. His gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Leonard Scott died on April 16, 1968 and is buried in the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR. His membership in the LOV was sponsored by Jim Kunkle, DSC.

Scott was a member of the “Big Red One” Army unit when they rescued Kunkle on September 16, 1944 after he was shot down while flying a P-38 in an engagement with German aircraft over France. Scott witnessed the dog fight Kunkle was in and watched for his chute to open after his plane blew up. The two of them met a second time in a hospital in Paris while both were recovering from their wounds and burns.