Name: Robert Ronald Leisy
Rank: Second Lieutenant
Organization: U.S. Army, Infantry
Unit: Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
Place and Date: Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam – 2 December 1969
Entered Service At: Seattle, Washington
Born: March 1, 1945 – Stockton, California
Departed: Killed in action
Accredited To: California
Summary of Action
On 2 December 1969, 2d Lt. Robert R. Leisy was leading a reconnaissance platoon when one of his patrols came under heavy fire from a numerically superior enemy force entrenched in a bunker complex. As he maneuvered the rest of his platoon to rescue the engaged patrol, his unit came under intense fire from three sides.
Displaying complete disregard for his own safety, Leisy moved from position to position, deploying his men to maximize their effectiveness against the enemy. When he spotted a sniper aiming a rocket-propelled grenade at him and his radio operator, he instantly placed his own body between the grenade and the men nearby. The explosion mortally wounded him but saved the lives of the radio operator and other soldiers close by.
Despite his mortal injuries, Leisy continued to direct his platoon’s fire and refused medical attention until all other seriously wounded soldiers were treated. His extraordinary courage and selfless leadership inspired his men and enabled the platoon to successfully withdraw without further casualties.
Medal of Honor Citation
LEISY, ROBERT RONALD
Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Infantry, Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division
Place and date: Phuoc Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 December 1969
Entered service at: Seattle, Wash.
Born: 1 March 1945, Stockton, Calif.
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 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.
Name: Robert Ronald Leisy
