THE WALL OF FACES

Leo........Honoring you on your birthday.......Never forgotten....God Bless

Dear Sgt Leo Hartsuff,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. It is Holy Week. The war was years ago, but we all need to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SGT Leo Francis Hartsuff, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Sergeant Hartsuff distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 7 September 1969 while serving as commander of an armored flamethrower carrier with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Squadron, 11 th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the An Loc area of operations, Sergeant Hartsuff’s flamethrower carrier was combined with two armored troops in a reconnaissance mission through a large enemy base camp. As the armored elements proceeded, they were suddenly and savagely attacked by a well- entrenched enemy force. Sergeant Hartsuff reacted immediately to the hostile action, directing his vehicle into the area of heaviest contact to close within the effective range of the flamethrower. Despite the withering volley of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire, Sergeant Hartsuff aggressively pressed the attack and closed within a few meters of the well-concealed enemy force. At a crucial point in the battle, Sergeant Hartsuff noticed the unit commander was being threatened by an enemy group in a bunker to the left and rear of his position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Hartsuff dismounted his own vehicle and assaulted the bunker with his personal weapon and hand grenades. He attacked the enemy; causing considerable damage before small arms fire mortally wounded him as he was moving toward the enemy. Sergeant Hartsuff's gallant actions and courageous leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his Unit and the United States Army.

Leo is buried at St Joseph's Cemetery in Lansing, MI. PH