WEBVTT

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(Narrator)
Big Red One soldier,

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Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Leonard,

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became the first African American

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1st Infantry Division soldier 
to earn the Medal of Honor

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near Suoi Da on Feb. 28, 
1967, during the Vietnam War.

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Sgt. 1st Class Leonard's platoon

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was suddenly attacked 
by a large enemy force

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employing small arms, automatic 
weapons and hand grenades.

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Despite several leaders being wounded,

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Sgt. 1st Class Leonard 
quickly rallied his men,

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organized a defensive perimeter 
and redistributed ammo.

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While dragging a wounded man to safety,

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he was struck by a sniper's bullet,

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which shattered his left hand,

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but he refused medical attention.

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The enemy moved a machine 
gun into a location

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where it could sweep the entire perimeter,

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but Sgt. 1st Class 
Leonard charged the enemy gun

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and destroyed the hostile crew,

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despite being hit several 
times by enemy fire.

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With countless injuries sustained,

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he continued to engage the enemy

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until he succumbed to his many wounds.

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His fighting spirit, heroic 
leadership and valiant acts

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inspired the remaining 
members of his platoon

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to hold back the enemy until 
reinforcements arrived.

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Sgt. 1st Class 
Leonard's profound courage

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and devotion to his men

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are in keeping with the highest traditions

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of the military service,

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and his gallant actions reflect 
great credit upon himself

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and the United States Army.

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[triumphant music]