THE WALL OF FACES

Leonard was 6"5" tall he was the definition of tall dark and handsome. My uncle was a very proud honorable man. He loved his sisters very much. But his mother was his world. I think part of the reason he enlisted was because he didnt want her to have to work in the fields any longer. Every year sinse 1970 she wrote to the white address to the president asking that he get this medal. If u have read any of his stories u would see the didnt have to wait until 2002 to investigate it. It was his mom's dream but came a little to late. She passed away June 2011 at age 99 1/2 years young. She never got over loosing him. And they would both b happy that none of r gonna b there to see it
If u want to hear more about This hero feel free to contact me. I would love to tell the world about how wonderful he was.. I'm re doing his photo'sand news clippings. My grandma kept everything. He's immediate family will go to the white house although wewill not be allowed to attend the ceremony. My mom will be taking his olds boots that he wore in vetemam. Shewas so proud of him
Donna Cordova

President Obama to present the Medal of Honor to "our hero", At last he is honored for his bravery and actions in the face of enemy face.
A true warrior. Thanks Papa

I was Leonard's platoon leader beginning sometime in March of 1969 until his death on August 12th. I recommended him for the DSC based on his extraordinary actions that night. His actions in the face of the enemy were always extraordinary. He was already a legend in our outfit, as I learned shortly after I took over the platoon, and he was the only enlisted soldier to have a firebase named for him, "LZ Alvarado" (all the other firebase names were chosen randomly, much like hurricane names). He never hesitated to go in the path of danger, as if it was his calling.

Early in the fight on the night of August 12th, he took his M60 machine gun and his ammo bearer and attacked the enemy unit that was attacking us, breaking up their attack and saving many lives, possibly including mine. When he was wounded, one of my sergeants and I went to pull him to safety and into the hands of our platoon medic. He was in our arms when he died, and I think we probably heard his last words.

Leonard is buried at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Bakersfield, Kern County, CA.

Dear SP4 Leonard Louis Alvarado, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter