Medal of Honor, Leonard L. Alvarado, Vietnam War, August 12, 1969
In the dense, unforgiving jungles of Phuoc Long Province, Specialist Leonard L. Alvarado’s patrol was rushing to aid a sister platoon under siege. Facing an entrenched and aggressive enemy, he pressed forward through a storm of gunfire.
August 12, 2025
Leonard L. Alvarado
Vietnam War
August 12, 1969
Summary of Action:
On August 12, 1969, Specialist Fourth Class Leonard L. Alvarado was serving as a rifleman with a unit tasked with relieving a sister platoon pinned down by enemy forces in Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam. As his patrol advanced, they were met with fierce enemy fire and a sudden, violent assault. Recognizing the deadly peril to his fellow soldiers, Alvarado immediately countered, disrupting the enemy’s momentum and throwing the attackers into confusion.
He repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he maneuvered to engage enemy positions, shielding his comrades and creating the opening needed for them to regain the initiative. His decisive actions prevented the enemy from overwhelming friendly forces. In the midst of the fighting, Alvarado was mortally wounded, but not before ensuring the safety of several of his fellow soldiers. His heroism left an enduring legacy of courage, devotion, and sacrifice, and he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor Citation:
Specialist Leonard L. Alvarado distinguished himself on August 12, 1969, while serving as a rifleman during a mission to relieve a sister platoon in Phuoc Long Province, Vietnam. As the patrol advanced, it came under intense enemy fire. Specialist Alvarado moved forward aggressively, disrupting an enemy raid and forcing the hostile force to withdraw. Though mortally wounded during the engagement, his actions directly saved the lives of several comrades. He gallantly gave his life in service to his country, leaving behind his wife and young daughter.
