THE WALL OF FACES

A Thank you from another Matthew Leonard of Kentucky. I appriate your bravery and courage. I respect you alot for risking your life for America. You fought for what you believed in and I envy you for that. Thank you.

Just a word of thanks to the family of Matthew Leonard from another Leonard, John D. Leonard. I didn't go to Vietnam but served during that time. My Guard unit would be placed in downtown DC whenever a demonstration was held. We were expected to keep law and order. Believe me, we sometimes had to police our own ranks the tensions and emotions would be so high toward "peaceful demonstrators". Because of people like Matthew,who made the utlimate sacrifice for his country with his life, we enjoy freedoms in this land that allow free expression and speach and for that scarifice he made, I am one who is thankful. And to his family, I express my belated sympathies and a promise to never forget Matthew Leonard. Leonards are known for standing tall and proud with their service. My dad did 31 years of military service, in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, my two brothers were in service over 25 years and both served in Vietnam. Couple this with Paul's service along with the other 24 Leonards found on the "Wall" and it proves the point. Leonards are something to be proud of!

In an act of heroism above and beyond the call of duty, this American gave his life so that others might live. We honor his memory and sacrifice by preserving the torch of liberty that has been passed to us.

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS


MATTHEW LEONARD


served as the


PLATOON SERGEANT


with


COMPANY ' B '

1st BATTALION

16th INFANTRY

1st INFANTRY DIVISION


and was a posthumous recipient of the


<><><><> CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR <><><><>


who rests in honored glory in


SHADOW LAWN CEMETERY


BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA



************************************************************



CITATION

FOR AWARD OF THE

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR

TO

SERGEANT FIRST CLASS

MATTHEW LEONARD



near SUOI DA

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

28 FEBRUARY 1967



For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk
of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Platoon Sergeant
Leonard's platoon was suddenly attacked by a large enemy
force employing small arms, automatic weapons, and hand
grenades. Although the platoon leader and several other key
leaders were among the first wounded, Platoon Sergeant
Leonard quickly rallied his men to throw back the initial
enemy assaults. During the short pause that followed, he
organized a defensive perimeter, redistributed ammunition,
and inspired his comrades through his forceful leadership
and words of encouragement. Noticing a wounded companion
outside the perimeter, he dragged the man to safety but was
struck by a sniper's bullet that shattered his left hand.
Refusing medical attention and continuously exposing himself
to the increasing fire as the enemy again assaulted the
perimeter, Platoon Sergeant Leonard moved from position to
position to direct the fire of his men against the well -
camouflaged foe. Under the cover of the main attack, the
enemy moved a machinegun into a location where it could
sweep the entire perimeter. This threat was magnified when
the platoon machinegun in this area malfunctioned. Platoon
Sergeant Leonard quickly crawled to the gun position and
was helping to clear the malfunction when the gunner and
the other men in the vicinity were wounded by fire from
the enemy machinegun. Platoon Sereant Leonard rose to
his feet, charged the enemy gun, and destroyed the
hostile crew despite being hit several times by enemy
fire. He moved to a tree, propped himself against it, and
continued to engage the enemy until he succumbed to
his many wounds. His fighting spirit, heroic leadership,
and valiant acts inspired the remaining members of his
platoon to hold back the enemy until assistance arrived.
Platoon Sergeant Leonard's profound courage and devotion
to his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service, and his gallant actions reflect great
credit upon himself and the United States Army.



************************************************************



CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR


was presented to his family

on 19 December 1968

at

The Pentagon

by the

Secretary of the United States Army

Stanley R. Resor



************************************************************





THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE

Hello Sgt,
It's been a long time , Korea , 1963 . I was
attached to the 31st, Inf , from Camp Page
military police. As a young man of 21yrs,
and many miles from Detroit , for the first
time. You affored me the chance to grow to
be the man I am today.You gave me a guage
which to measure my life. When I returned
to the states I knew how to soldier and not
just wear the uniform. With in a few short
years I obtain the rank of SSgt , prior to
completing my tour of duty. I have visted
the wall on several ocassions with my family
and alone while in D.C. and I always vist
your name. YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE AND OUR
COUNTRY GAVE YOU THE " MEDAL OF HONOR"
I AM PROUD , PROUD , TO HAVE KNOWN YOU AND
TO HAVE SERVED UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP.

GOOD BYE SGT AND MAY GOD BLESS . I WILL SEE
YOU IN THE NEXT LIFE.

SSGT. BEN J. BROWN
6062 ASPEN LANE
MATTESON , IL. 60443