Robert Ronald Leisy

He shielded his radio operator from a deadly rocket grenade.

Robert Ronald Leisy grew up in Seattle after his family moved there from California in 1950. He graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1963, joined the Marine Corps Reserve after a year at the University of Washington, and later returned to university. He graduated in political science in 1968.

Leisy entered the Army in March 1968. After training at Fort Dix and officer candidate school at Fort Benning, he was commissioned on 1 February 1969. He completed airborne training and further preparation with the 82nd Airborne Division before arriving in Vietnam in late September 1969. Letters preserved at the University of Washington describe his daily life and concern for the young soldiers he led.

Robert Ronald Leisy earned the Medal of Honor in Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam, on December 2, 1969. A second lieutenant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, he was leading a reconnaissance mission when his platoon came under heavy fire.

Leisy shielded his radio operator with his body when an enemy fired a rocket-propelled grenade at them. Mortally wounded, he continued directing the platoon and refused treatment until other casualties had received care. His leadership enabled the unit to withdraw without further casualties.

Born in Stockton, California, on March 1, 1945, Leisy received the medal posthumously. Vice President Spiro T. Agnew presented it to his family on December 16, 1971. He is buried at Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle.

Medal of Honor 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 the 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