Private William Leonard was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 7, 1877 at Muddy Creek, Montana during the Indian Campaigns. At the time he was serving with Company L, 2d U.S. Cavalry. Leonard was 21 years old.
3 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on August 8, 1877.
Leonard was born on July 14, 1855 in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Michigan. His Medal of Honor is credited to Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Leonard died on September 15, 1923 in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, at the age of 68. He is buried at Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
Leonard is one of 426 Medal of Honor recipients from the Indian Campaigns and one of 112 credited to Michigan.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Bravery in action.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Timeline
- July 14, 1855Born in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County, Michigan
- May 7, 1877Act of valor — Muddy Creek, MontanaAge 21. Company L, 2d U.S. Cavalry
- August 8, 1877Medal of Honor presented
- September 15, 1923Died in White Sulphur Springs, MontanaAge 68.
- Resting placeMayn CemeteryWhite Sulphur Springs, Montana