THE WALL OF FACES

Bill, had you lived, today (May 4, 2018) you would have been 70 years old. Instead you will forever be remembered as a 21 year old marine. So from your 69 year old brother to my 21 year old older brother...Remembering you on your Birthday Day Bill.

"Brave men go forward not expecting to return" Bona

"If a man can bridge the gap between life and death, if he can live on after he's dead, then maybe he was a great man"
James Dean

We were in Vietnam at the same time. You on your second tour me on my first. I escorted your body home.

Once, while in country a Chaplin told us that if we were killed our friends would only remember us for three days...so don't get yourself killed. He was wrong, I think about you everyday for the past 48 years and I will continue to until I die.

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal William Leonard (MCSN: 30384103), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Republic of Vietnam. On 14 January 1970, while Corporal Leonard's unit was heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army force, the Marines were pinned down by intense fire from enemy soldiers occupying a well-fortified bunker complex. Realizing the need for immediate action, Corporal Leonard unhesitatingly ran across the fire-swept terrain and, with complete disregard for his own safety, single-handedly initiated an aggressive assault against one of the fortified positions. Standing in full view of the hostile soldiers, he threw hand grenades through the aperture of the bunker, silencing the fire from that emplacement and killing the three occupants. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting around him, he then moved to a second fortification and attacked the occupants with hand grenades and rifle fire. However, having become a vulnerable target for the hostile gunners, he was mortally wounded while engaged in this selfless task. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and, by attracting the attention of the enemy, enabled his companions to overrun the hostile emplacements. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Leonard contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: January 14, 1970

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company F

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

For those who never met Sqeeze. .. He was as gentle as a breeze, never had a bad word to say about anyone..I drove him to Boston once when he leaving to go back to base and the song Black is Black by Los Bravos came on the radio and he told me that was his favorite songs..Little did he or I know that would become etched in the back of my mind for life..RIP Pal Never forgotten..Matt

Dear CPL William Leonard, sir,

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you 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. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.

Curt Carter