Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Sergeant First Class Matthew Leonard was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on February 28, 1967 near Suoi Da, Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. At the time he was serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Leonard was 37 years old.
Leonard was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on December 19, 1968.
Leonard was born on November 26, 1929 in Eutaw, Greene County, Alabama. His Medal of Honor is credited to Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. He is buried at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.
Leonard is one of 274 Medal of Honor recipients from the Vietnam War and one of 21 credited to Alabama.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. His 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, P/Sgt. 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 which shattered his left hand. Refusing medical attention and continuously exposing himself to the increasing fire as the enemy again assaulted the perimeter, P/Sgt. 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 machine gun into a location where it could sweep the entire perimeter. This threat was magnified when the platoon machine gun in this area malfunctioned. P/Sgt. Leonard quickly crawled to the gun position and was helping to clear the malfunction when the gunner and other men in the vicinity were wounded by fire from the enemy machine gun. P/Sgt. 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. P/Sgt. 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 U.S. Army.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (February 28, 1967).
- Age at death: 37
- Resting place: Fort Mitchell National Cemetery
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Korean War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Alabama →
Timeline
- November 26, 1929Born in Eutaw, Greene County, Alabama
- February 28, 1967Act of valor — near Suoi Da, Republic of VietnamAge 37. Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division Killed in action.
- December 19, 1968Medal of Honor presented posthumously
- Resting placeFort Mitchell National Cemetery
Biography
Matthew Leonard (November 26, 1929 – February 28, 1967) was a United States Army sergeant who posthumously received America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
From the Wikipedia article “Matthew Leonard”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
