THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you Sergeant Thompson for your leadership and exemplary courage under fire.

Dear SGT Leland Herbert Thompson, 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

I did not know Leland Thompson well. He was the Artillery Forward Observer with our Infantry unit May 18 1967.. I can tell you this about him, when I was shot he was right next to me, our bodies were touching. He was still ok at that time. When I screamed I was hit, he was the guy that kept talking to me and reassuring me. Over all the firing he kept telling me he would get me out and that i would be ok. He made me feel so much better. He did that for about twenty minutes, then he went silent. I think he took a shot right in the head and died instantly. I have thought about him for 45 years and how good he was to me. I am in tears as I write this. I've never told anyone this story and it feels good to get it out. I know nothing more about him, except I know this, where ever he is I love the guy.

This is a photo of Leland as a sophomore at Tigard High School in Portland, OR.
If someone has a better photo, please post it.

Leland is buried at Willamette Nat Cem.