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First Name: Robert

Last Name: Leisy

Birthplace: Stockton, CA, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Middle Name: Ronald



Date of Birth: 01 March 1945

Date of Death: 02 December 1969

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Years Served: 1968 - 1969
Robert Ronald Leisy

   
Engagements:
•  Vietnam War (1960 - 1973)

Biography:

Robert Ronald Leisy
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Second Lieutenant Robert Ronald Leisy (1 March 1945 - 2 December 1969) was a U.S. Army officer who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Robert Ronald Leisy was born on 1 March 1945 in Stockton, CA. He was a University of Washington graduate that was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through Army Infantry Officer Candidate School. On 2 December 1969, he was serving as a platoon leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. During a firefight that day in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, he used his body to shield a fellow soldier from the blast of an incoming rocket-propelled grenade. Severely wounded, Leisy refused medical attention until others had been treated first. He succumbed to his wounds and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

Medal of Honor

Citation: 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.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Robert Ronald Leisy's name is inscribed on Panel 15W - Line 18.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Death and Burial

Second Lieutenant Robert Ronald Leisy was killed in action on 2 December 1969. He is buried at Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle, WA, in Section O, Lot 0026, Grave 4.



Honoree ID: 1008   Created by: MHOH

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