LEONARD L. EGGLESTON was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to recognize his extraordinary heroism when a member of the 121st Infantry, the Old Grey Bonnet Regiment, in France in World War II. On 26 July 1944, near Jolimment, France, the enemy launched a combined infantry and tank attack against the left flankof A Company, 121st Infantry. The then PVT Eggleston, a macine gunner, fired on the advancing enemy infantrymen repulsing their attack. During this severe enemy action, he was wounded by a German hand grenade. Still at his gun, he continued to fire until again wounded by return fire from the guns of an advancing enemy tank. Private Eggleston, heedless of his wounds, fired the last available round from a rocket launcher at the tank. Upon missing, he then seized an M-1 rifle and fired an anti-tank grenade which hit the turret of the tank forcing it to withdraw. The courageous actions and aggressive spirit displayed by Private Eggleston not only reflect great credit upon himself, but are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Mr. Eggleston joined the Legion of Valor in 1977 and resided in Ohio.