Leisy new

Robert Ronald Leisy, '63

Varsity Football, "Q" Club, Latin Club

2LT Army
Died Dec. 2, 1969, S. Vietnam

Click here to read the Seattle P-I article of 5/31/04 about Bob Leisy

Click here to read Seattle P-I artcle of 10/8/03

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
"The Queen Anne Class of '63 last year [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

Medal of Honor citation

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his lifeabove 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 engagethe enemy. Accompanied by his radio operator he moved to the frontand spotted an enemy sniper in a tree in the act of firing a rocket -propelled grenade at them. Realizing there was neither time to escapethe grenade nor shout a warning, 2nd Lieutenant Leisy unhesitatingly,and with full knowledge of the consequences, shielded the radiooperator with his body and absorbed the full impact of the explosion.This valorous act saved the life of the radio operator and protectedother men of his platoon who were nearby from serious injury. Despitehis 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 seriouslywounded 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








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