M.M. London Gazette 28.10.1952. Recommendation states 'On 2 August 1952, a decoy position was occupied on a tactical feature in No Man's Land and battle noise simulation devices were laid by Corporal Ford. After waiting all day in the decoy position, he guided the Decoy Section back after dark to one of the Platoons lying in wait to trap the enemy. The enemy initially made contact with this Platoon instead of going straight into the decoy position and during the resulting confused situation, Corporal Ford was among the first to identify, open fire on and kill the enemy. He then fired the battle simulation devices by remote control on his own initiative. His timing was excellent as the enemy immediately transferred all their attention to the decoy position. Although his task was now completed, he accompanied the successful assault on the now disorganized enemy. The enemy withdrew and directed heavy mortar fire. Regardless of this he helped to dress the wounded, guide Stretcher Bearers and generally assist in the evacuation of the wounded. He was one of the last, if not the last, to leave the position. Throughout this action, in the words of a C.S.M. of the 1st Royal Norfolks, "his courage and devotion to duty set an example to every soldier on the position at that time, Royal Norfolks and Royal Engineers". His coolness and initiative played a considerable part in the success of the operation in which over 25 enemy were killed and 6 wounded prisoners taken'.

Corporal Leonard Ernest Ford, M.M., was a member of No. 28 Field Engineer Regiment, R.E., at the time of the above action, acting as N.C.O. in command of 'Battle Simulation Devices' and reporting to 'B' Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolks.