8th Cav Regiment MOH Recipient

This Second Lieutenant served in the very same company that my father served with in Korea. Had Dad decided to reenlist, it is likely, though not certain, that he would have been in the same platoon as this fine officer. Had he reenlisted, he would have received a promotion to Sergeant and would most assuredly have seen action in the first wave of troops to Vietnam.

 

Courtesy of the 8th US Cavalry Regiment Association derived from:

http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html

 

*LEISY, ROBERT RONALD
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Infantry, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. place and date: Phuoc Long province,
Republic of Vietnam, 2 December 1969. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 1 March 1945, Stockton,Calif.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2d Lt. Leisy, Infantry, Company B, distinguished
himself while serving as platoon leader during a reconnaissance mission. One of his patrols became heavily engaged by fire from a numerically superior enemy force
located in a well-entrenched bunker complex. As 2d Lt. Leisy deployed the remainder of his platoon to rescue the beleaguered patrol, the platoon also came under intense enemy fire from the front and both flanks. In complete disregard for his safety, 2d Lt. Leisy moved from position to position deploying his men to effectively engage the enemy. Accompanied by his radio operator he moved to the front and spotted an enemy sniper in a tree in the act of firing a rocket-propelled
grenade at them. Realizing there was neither time to escape the grenade nor shout a warning, 2d Lt. Leisy unhesitatingly, and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded the radio operator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the explosion.

This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and protected other men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury. Despite his mortal
wounds, 2d Lt. Leisy calmly and confidently continued to direct the
platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived, 2d Lt. Leisy valiantly refused
attention until the other seriously wounded were treated. His display of
extraordinary courage and exemplary devotion to duty provided the inspiration and leadership that enabled his platoon to successfully withdraw without further casualties. 2d Lt. Leisy's gallantry at the cost of his life are in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.