Leslie Allen Bellrichard

Shielding four comrades before resuming the foxhole defense.

Leslie Allen Bellrichard was born on 4 December 1941 in Janesville, Wisconsin. After moving to California, he earned his GED and worked for Lockheed Aviation before being drafted in 1966. He volunteered for Vietnam and had served there for less than a month when he earned a posthumous Medal of Honor in Pleiku Province, Vietnam, on 20 May 1967. A fire-team leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, he defended a perimeter foxhole against repeated attacks. A mortar explosion knocked him down as he held an armed grenade, causing it to fall among four comrades. Bellrichard immediately covered it with his body. Despite devastating wounds, he rose and fired his rifle until he died. His actions saved his companions and helped preserve the defensive position. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Janesville.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Acting as a fire-team leader with Company C during combat operations Pfc. Bellrichard was with four fellow soldiers in a foxhole on their unit's perimeter when the position came under a massive enemy attack. Following a 30-minute mortar barrage, the enemy launched a strong ground assault. Pfc. Bellrichard rose in face of a group of charging enemy soldiers and threw hand grenades into their midst, eliminating several of the foe and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Failing in their initial attack, the enemy repeated the mortar and rocket bombardment of the friendly perimeter, then once again charged against the defenders in a concerted effort to overrun the position. Pfc. Bellrichard resumed throwing hand grenades at the onrushing attackers. As he was about to hurl a grenade, a mortar round exploded just in front of his position, knocking him into the foxhole and causing him to lose his grip on the already armed grenade. Recovering instantly, Pfc. Bellrichard recognized the threat to the lives of his four comrades and threw himself upon the grenade, shielding his companions from the blast that followed. Although seriously wounded, Pfc. Bellrichard struggled into an upright position in the foxhole and fired his rifle at the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds. His selfless heroism contributed greatly to the successful defense of the position, and he was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.