Although assigned to the MACV Advisors at the time of his death,
Sergeant First Class Karnes also served with
"A" and "C" Companies, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry,
April 1968 through April 1969.
"To live in the hearts we leave behind,
is never to have died."
(Thomas Campbell, circa 1888)
Daughter Sue Ann,
grandson Matthew Kyle
2002
HEADQUARTERS
UNITED STATES MILITARY ASSISTANCE COMMAND, VIETNAM
APO San Francisco 96222
6 March 1971
GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 1107
AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR
(POSTHUMOUSLY)
1. TC 439. The following AWARD is announced.
KARNES, LESLIE L. 499-38-7945 SFC USA Adv Tm 55, DMAC
Awarded: Silver Star (Posthumously)
Date of Action: 16 February 1971
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For gallantry in action:
Sergeant First Class Karnes distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 16 February 1971 while serving as Operations/Intelligence Advisor on Mobile Advisory Team IV-102, Kien An District, Kien Giang Province, Republic of Vietnam. On that date Sergeant Karnes was operating a Boston Whaler in which the Province Senior Advisor, Kien An District Advisor, and the Team 55 First Sergeant were passengers. The party had been inspecting the construction of outposts in the U-Minh Forrest and were returning by canal to the Kien An District Headquarters when they were ambushed by a North Vietnamese reconnaissance unit. So intense was the small arms and B-40 rocket fire that it was impossible to return immediate fire. Though mortally wounded and completely exposed to enemy fire, Sergeant Karnes continued to maneuver the boat and swung it directly into the ambush site, thereby providing his comrades with their only chance for survival. Due to Sergeant Karnes' singularly heroic actions, his decisive and professional bearing, and complete dedication to his responsibilities in the heat of battle, the Kien An District Senior Advisor and Team First Sergeant were able to stay the Viet Cong until rescued by a hastily formed rescue squad. Sergeant First Class Karnes' conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.
Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918
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