Leon L. Lovelady

These awards are based on the information below and per applicable DoD Directives and Awards Manuals:
Bronze Star Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in the Armed Forces of the United States after 6 December 1941, distinguished himself or herself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. This award to PVT Lovelady was identified by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
American Campaign Service Medal Awarded for military service within the American Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Awarded for military service with the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between December 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946.
World War II Victory Medal Awarded for military service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, both dates inclusive.

Note 1: The death location, "Luzon Island, Philippines" is based on the best information available at this time. In the case of PFC Leon L. Lovelady, this location was not verified by eyewitness statement or official After Action Report. Rescarching multiple online sources, this location was estimated from the following sources:

A. The ABMC reports his unit as the 31st Infantry Regiment, he is listed on the "Walls of the Missing", was awarded the Bronze Star, and date of death on May 15, 1942.

B. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency reports: "PVT LOVELADY, LEON L, ASN 14042332, Branch: ARMY, Location: PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, Date of loss 5/15/1942, Unit: 31ST INFANTRY REGIMENT"

C. Unit history documents that the 31st Infantry Regiment covered the withdrawal of American and Philippine forces to the Bataan Peninsula and Major General King surrendered the Bataan Defense Force on 9 April 1942. Some of the 31st's survivors escaped to continue resisting but many were killed before the Philippine Islands were liberated in 1945.

Anyone with a more specific location or other details is welcomed and encouraged to submit an email to: ww2updates@withmilitaryhonors.com.

The following information on this casualty is sourced from The National Archives Database:
 Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938 - 1946 (Enlistment Records) - See Note 2

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Note 2. Information is sourced from the public domain and may be copied and distributed without permission.