On September 5, 1945, Leonard Funk Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military commendation, recognizing his extraordinary bravery during a critical engagement earlier that year. His quick thinking and fearless leadership played a crucial role in repelling a sudden and aggressive German counterattack.
As a paratrooper in the renowned 82nd Airborne Division, Funk stood out not only for his heroism but also for the sheer number of honors he received. Alongside the Medal of Honor, he was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts—solidifying his legacy 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 his unit had endured several weeks of fierce combat against German forces. Despite the relentless fighting, they had pushed forward about 15 miles, positioning themselves close enough to launch an assault on Holzheim, a town held by the enemy.
Serving as the company’s executive officer, Funk recognized that his force alone wasn’t sufficient to overcome the German defenders. Thinking creatively, he reinforced his ranks by adding a platoon of clerks—soldiers not usually involved in frontline combat. Facing intense machine gun and artillery fire, this improvised group attacked the town, successfully clearing 15 houses without suffering any casualties. Shortly afterward, another American unit arrived, bolstering their efforts and helping to secure Holzheim 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 military service, Leonard Funk chose a path of continued service—this time to his fellow veterans. He worked with the Veteran’s Administration in the Pittsburgh area, dedicating himself to helping others transition from combat to civilian life. During these years, he and his wife, Gertrude, raised two daughters together.
Funk passed away on November 20, 1992, at the age of 76, and was buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In recognition of his service and legacy, a portion of roadway near his hometown was renamed in his honor in 1995. Later, in 2008, he was posthumously inducted into the 82nd Airborne Division’s Hall of Fame, ensuring his story would continue to inspire generations of paratroopers to come.