Biography

Second Lieutenant Robert Ronald Leisy (March 1, 1945 – December 2, 1969) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest award.

Leisy, from Seattle, Washington, was a University of Washington graduate, commissioned a second lieutenant through Army Infantry Officer Candidate School. By December 2, 1969, he was serving as a platoon leader in Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Calvary Regiment,1st Cavalry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam, during Operation Toan Thang IV he used his body to shield a fellow soldier from the blast of an incoming rocket-propelled grenade. Severely wounded, Leisy refused medical attention until others had been treated first. He succumbed to his wounds and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

Leisy, age 24 at the time of his death, was buried in Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park, Seattle, Washington. He was also awarded the Purple Heart for his Vietnam service.

Key Assignment

Platoon Leader, Company B, 1st Cavalry Division

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