On September 5, 1945, Leonard Funk Jr. received the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest award for combat valor, in recognition of his extraordinary heroism during a critical battle earlier that year. His rapid decision-making and unwavering determination played a major role in helping repel a sudden and intense German assault.
Serving as a paratrooper with the renowned 82nd Airborne Division, Funk demonstrated exceptional courage throughout his wartime service, not just in a single engagement. During his military career, he also earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts, establishing himself as one of the most highly decorated American soldiers of World War II.
Leonard Funk’s entry into the US Army
Leonard Alfred Funk, Jr., born on August 27, 1916, in Braddock Township, Pennsylvania, grew up near Pittsburgh. At 24 years old, just months prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he joined the US Army.
In 1942, Funk volunteered for the paratrooper program, completed his training, and was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, based at Camp Blanding, Florida. By 1943, he had been deployed to England to prepare for the D-Day landings, becoming a member of the renowned 82nd Airborne Division.
As a paratrooper, Funk made major contributions to several of the Allies’ most important battles.
Leonard Funk in action
Leonard Funk first encountered combat on June 6, 1944—D-Day. Leading a small unit, he landed nearly 40 miles inland. After several days of fierce fighting, he broke through German lines to reunite with his fellow paratroopers, ensuring all of his men survived. In recognition of his bravery, Funk was awarded the Silver Star.
Funk’s next real battle occurred during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. While leading a three-man patrol, he launched an attack on a German anti-aircraft battery, personally killing 20 members of the gun crew and injuring several others. His actions are credited with saving the lives of hundreds of Allied soldiers. For his “initiative, outstanding bravery, and strong personal leadership despite overwhelming enemy superiority in both numbers and firepower,” he received the Distinguished Service Cross.
Funk’s heroism was further demonstrated during the Battle of the Bulge, where his extraordinary courage earned him the Medal of Honor.
Bravery during the Battle of the Bulge
By January 29, 1945, Leonard Funk and the soldiers under his command had spent weeks fighting through intense engagements with German troops. In the face of persistent resistance, they pushed forward approximately 15 miles, reaching a position from which they could begin an attack on the German-held town of Holzheim.
Serving as the company’s executive officer, Funk recognized that his available forces were too small to capture the town on their own. To strengthen his numbers, he assembled a platoon of clerks—men who normally served away from the front lines. Under relentless machine gun and artillery fire, this improvised force attacked the town and successfully cleared 15 houses without suffering any casualties. Soon afterward, another American unit arrived to reinforce the position, allowing the town to be secured for the Allied forces.
Funk was awarded the Medal of Honor
Eighty German soldiers were captured and placed under the guard of four soldiers, while the rest of the American troops circled back to ensure the town was fully cleared of enemy forces. During this time, the four guards were overpowered by their prisoners, who quickly began preparing to launch an attack on the Americans.
Funk returned at that moment and walked directly into the group, who were no longer his prisoners of war. A German officer aimed a loaded weapon at him and ordered him to surrender. Appearing to comply, Funk lowered his submachine gun, but in an instant, he fired, killing the officer and several others.
He called for his unit to disarm the remaining prisoners, leading to the deaths of 21 German soldiers, with the rest being captured almost immediately. On September 5, 1945, Funk was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman. With his array of wartime decorations, he became one of the most highly decorated paratroopers of World War II.
Leonard Funk’s post-service life
After completing his active military service, Leonard Funk Jr. devoted much of his later life to assisting fellow veterans. Working with the Veterans Administration in the Pittsburgh region, he helped service members adjust to civilian life after leaving the armed forces. Alongside his wife Gertrude, he raised two daughters, balancing family life with a continued commitment to service and support for former soldiers.
Funk died on November 20, 1992, at the age of 76 and was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy has remained strong in the years since his passing: in 1995, a road near his hometown was named in his honor, and in 2008 he was posthumously inducted into the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame. His bravery, dedication, and lifelong example continue to serve as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of paratroopers.