Citation - Navy Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Dale M. Leslie, United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Pilot of an airplane in Marine Scout-Bombing Squadron TWO HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE (VMSB-231), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), Marine Aircraft Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, while assisting in evacuating a group of Marines surrounded by enemy Japanese forces from a beachhead on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 27 September 1942.
Flying low over the water, Second Lieutenant Leslie, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, successfully directed the rescue boats to the trapped Marines. Then, in order to protect one of the boats which had been placed as a shield between the enemy and rescue ships, he continually strafed the hostile gun emplacements, skillfully drawing their fire away from the boat. During these operations, having spotted a man in the water, Second Lieutenant Leslie dropped a flare near him in order to attract attention and help effect his rescue, and when one of the ships, loaded with Marines, developed engine trouble, he directed a salvage boat to her assistance. His expert airmanship, courage, and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
VMF-224 Scrap Book
Citation - Navy Cross
Presented to Captain Dale M. Leslie
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