Robert Ronald Leisy
Robert Ronald Leisy | |
---|---|
8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division | |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War † |
Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Robert Ronald Leisy (March 1, 1945 – December 2, 1969) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Biography
Leisy, from
Leisy, age 24 at his death, was buried in
Medal of Honor citation
Second Lieutenant Leisy's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Leisy, Infantry, Company B, distinguished himself while serving as platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission. One of his patrols became heavily engaged by fire from a numerically superior enemy force located in a well-entrenched bunker complex. As 2d Lt. Leisy deployed the remainder of his platoon to rescue the beleaguered patrol, the platoon also came under intense enemy fire from the front and both flanks. In complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. Leisy moved from position to position deploying his men to effectively engage the enemy. Accompanied by his radio operator he moved to the front and spotted an enemy sniper in a tree in the act of firing a rocket-propelled grenade at them. Realizing there was neither time to escape the grenade nor shout a warning, 2d Lt. Leisy unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded the radio operator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the explosion. This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and protected other men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury. Despite his mortal wounds, 2d Lt. Leisy calmly and confidently continued to direct the platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived, 2d Lt. Leisy valiantly refused attention until the other seriously wounded were treated. His display of extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty provided the inspiration and leadership that enabled his platoon to successfully withdraw without further casualties. 2d Lt. Leisy's gallantry at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
University of Washington Medal of Honor Memorial
This section may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience. |
At the University of Washington in February 2006, a resolution recommending a memorial be erected to honor
After its defeat, a new version of the original resolution was submitted that called for a memorial to all eight UW alumni who received the
Ordinary individuals
facing extraordinary circumstances
with courage and selflessness
answer the call
and change the course of destiny.
Medal of Honor
See also
References
- ^ "A Resolution to Calling for a Tribute for Col. Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington, USMC", Resolution R-12-18 Archived 2009-01-07 at the Wayback Machine, Associated Students of the University of Washington Student Senate, submitted 01/11/2006. (retrieved February 24, 2006)
- ^ Boyington memorial — A word from the Senate[permanent dead link], The Daily, February 17, 2006. (retrieved February 24, 2006)
- ^ Flickinger, Christopher. "Marines Not Welcome at University of Washington" Archived 2012-02-17 at the Wayback Machine, Human Events, February 20, 2006.
- ^ "Great Sioux Nation Medal of Honor Recipients". Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ Muir, Florabel (July 16, 1967). "Pappy Boiyngton is ill, destitute". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. (New York News). p. 12.
- ^ UW Senate minutes Archived 2009-03-26 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Frey, Christine (February 21, 2006). "Boyington memorial for UW revisited". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ "A Resolution Calling a Memorial for UW Alumni awarded the Medal of Honor" Archived 2008-05-11 at the Wayback Machine, Resolution R-12-16, Associated Students of the University of Washington Student Senate, submitted 02/17/2006.
- ^ "Honoring the men behind the Medals of Honor with ceremony, exhibit ", University of Washington News, 10 November 2009.
- ^ O'Donnell, Catherine (October 21, 2009). "New UW memorial honors alumni who hold the Congressional Medal of Honor". University of Washington. UW News. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ Broom, Jack (November 10, 2009). "UW to honor war heroes with Medal of Honor memorial". Seattle Times. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ "University of Washington Medal of Honor Memorial Dedication". U.S. Militaria Forum. 8 June 2011. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- "Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients (A-L)". Medal of Honor citations. United States Army Center of Military History. February 27, 2007. Archived from the original on 2009-06-27. Retrieved 2007-07-10.