MedalOfHonor “Bill” Matthew Leonard (November 26, 1929–February 28, 1967) was a United States Army sergeant who posthumously received America's highest military decoration




MedalOfHonor “Bill” 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.

Bill Leonard was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 29, 1929. He joined the Army in 1947 at the age of 18 and became a career military man.  During his service he was married and had five children.  The family of seven had an opportunity to travel extensively all over the world.  His wife Lois recalls that during their stay in Germany she would invite everyone in the community to join them for the big Sunday dinner she prepared every week, just as she had done back home in Alabama.  Their German neighbors stopped by often to enjoy some down-home Southern cooking, including cornbread.  To them it was a novelty but to the Leonards it was a taste of home. 

When the Army sent Bill to the battle fields of Korea, he was thrust into a volatile situation that the government deemed a mere “conflict.”  But, like so many others, Bill Leonard quickly surmised that it was no conflict – it was a full-blown war.  In Korea, he fought valiantly, earning accolades for his courage.  And, after Korea, the Leonards resumed the rituals of peace-time Army life.  Bill served as a drill sergeant and trained young recruits.  Times, for the moment, were happier. 

On February 28, 1967, Leonard was serving as a platoon sergeant with Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, near Suoi Da, South Vietnam. When his platoon came under attack. Sergeant Leonard organized the defense and encouraged his men. Despite suffering several wounds, he continued to command and eventually charged an enemy machine gun. He was wounded again during the charge and died soon after.

For his actions on that day, Sergeant Leonard received the Medal of Honor. Leonard's widow Lois and her family were presented with his Medal of Honor by President Lyndon B. Johnson during a ceremony at the Pentagon on December 19, 1968.

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