LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Private First Class Leonard M. Kravitz,
United States Army, upon the occasion of his posthumous designation as
recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Forces, who have served so valiantly and
honorably in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at stake, and during
which the United States proudly stood as a defender of liberty and human
dignity, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Leonard M. Kravitz, United States Army, upon the occasion of his posthu-
mous designation as recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor; this
meritorious honor was presented at a White House ceremony on Tuesday,
March 18, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military
medal bestowed by the United States; it is awarded for valor in action
against an enemy force; and
WHEREAS, Private First Class Leonard M. Kravitz, of Brooklyn, New
York, is being recognized posthumously for his extraordinary heroism in
actions against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea near
Yangpyong, March 6-7, 1951; and
WHEREAS, As his citation for Distinguished Service Cross stated: "On
that date, Kravitz, an assistant machine-gunner attached to Company L,
was in a defense position on strategic key terrain. After the friendly
elements had repulsed two earlier attacks the enemy launched a fanatical
banzai charge with heavy supporting fire and despite losses, pressed the
assault. When the machine-gunner was wounded in the initial phase of
action, Kravitz immediately seized the weapon and poured devastating
fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants"; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, "The enemy effected and exploited a breach on
the left flank, rendering the friendly positions untenable. Upon orders
to withdraw, Kravitz voluntarily remained to provide protective fire for
the retiring elements. Traversing the gun to the left to cover the
infiltrating enemy and ignoring the pleadings of his comrades to fall
back, he fearlessly maintained his position. Detaching a column of
Communist troops moving toward friendly positions, he swept the hostile
with deadly, accurate fire, killing the entire group. His destructive
retaliation caused the enemy to concentrate vicious fire on his position
and enabled the friendly elements to effect a withdrawal. After the
strong point was re-secured, Kravitz's body was found lying beside the
gun he had so heroically manned, and numerous enemy dead lay in and
around his emplacement. Kravitz's incredible display of valor set an
inspiring example for his comrades. His unflinching courage and consum-
mate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold
the finest tradition of the military service"; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the Congressional Medal of Honor, Private
First Class Leonard M. Kravitz, a truly valiant soldier, received numer-
ous other military awards and decorations, including: the Purple Heart,
National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze
Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge,
Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and Republic of Korea Presidential
Unit Citation; and
WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over this great
Nation, the land of the free and the home of the brave; and
WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a
very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict;
it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who

risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreci-
ation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Leonard M. Kravitz, United States Army, upon the occasion of his
posthumous designation as recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor,
recognizing his courageous actions; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Private First Class Leonard M. Kravitz.