Our Queen
Anne
Classmates
Who Gave Their Lives In Vietnam
Robert Ronald Leisy,
2nd LT - U S Army
Class of 1963
Varsity Football, "Q" Club, Latin Club
Died: December 2, 1969
South Vietnam
The Leisy Center at Ft. Lawton is named after 1963 grad Robert R. Leisy, a Magnolia native who died in Vietnam and subsequently was awarded the Medal of Honor. Leisy was one of two Queen Anne grads to win the Medal of Honor. He died in 1969, "taking a grenade intended for his squad but enabling them to withdraw." Entrance to the Leisy Center is more difficult these days because of the increased security. John Hennes, '51
Medal of Honor citation
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 2nd Lieutenant 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 2nd Lieutenant 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, 2nd
Lieutenant 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, 2nd Lieutenant 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, 2nd Lieutenant Leisy calmly and
confidently continued to direct the platoon's fire. When medical aid arrived,
2nd Lieutenant 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. 2nd Lieutenant
Leisy's gallantry at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his
unit, and the United States Army."
The Congressional Medal of Honor was presented to his family on 16 December 1971
at the Old Executive Office Building by the Vice President of the United States
of America, Spiro T. Agnew
Class Honors Classmates At
Fort Lawton Memorial
"The Queen Anne Class of '63 in 1998 chose to honor their fallen classmates by arranging for a grouping of commemorative tiles at the Leisy Army Reserve Center at Fort Lawton. The Leisy Center is named after 1963 grad Robert R. Leisy, a Magnolia native who died in Vietnam and subsequently was awarded the Medal of Honor. During their preparations for the 35th anniversary reunion of their class, Rick Malsed proposed that the class recognize Bob Leisy and the three other classmates who fell in the war. The tiles were enthusiastically supported by the class and honor Gary Eddy, Rolf Jorgensen and John Stewart, along with Leisy." The KUAY, Feb., 1999
University of
Washington Vietnam Memorial
