Memorial

More information

Sgt James P. Leahy attended St. Joseph's of the Palisades and Memorial High School. He was employed by the Bethlehem Steel Ship yard.
Sgt Leahy was awarded the Bronze Star "for heroic achievement on 20 November 1944 in connection with military operations against the enemy" while fighting with a mine clearing detachment.
His citation reads: Sgt Leahy led his squad on a mission of clearing mines from a road in the wake of an Infantry attack preparatory to the advance of armored vehicles. Enemy artillery was registering on the road, and it was necessary for Sgt Leahy to lead his squad forward through the comparatively light but extremely accurate enemy fire. He was at all times forward of the squad and acted not only as a squad leader but as advance security. On one occasion his squad was pinned down by enemy small arms fire. Sgt. Leahy maintained excellent control of his squad and accomplished his mission thoroughly and rapidly. The leadership, courage and devotion to duty displayed by Sgt. Leahy reflect great credit on himself and the Military Service."
Twelve men of B Company were assigned to the 406th Infantry Regiment for patrolling duty as boat crewmen. The patrol was fired upon by two machine guns just as they reached the far shore. Only three of them returned.