BELLRICHARD, LESLIE ALLEN

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry

Place: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 20 May 1967

Entered service at: Oakland, California

Born: 4 December 1941, Janesville, Wisconsin

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Acting as a fire team leader with Company C, during combat operations Pfc. Bellrichard was with 4 fellow soldiers maning a foxhole on their unit's perimeter when the position came under a massive enemy attack. Following a 30-minute mortar barrage, the enemy launched a strong ground assault. Pfc. Bellrichard rose in face of a group of charging enemy soldiers and threw hand grenades into their midst, eliminating several of the foe and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Failing in their initial attack, the enemy repeated the mortar and rocket bombardment of the friendly perimeter, then once again charged against the defenders in a concerted effort to overrun the position. Pfc. Bellrichard resumed throwing hand grenades at the onrushing attackers. As he was about to hurl a grenade, a mortar round exploded just in front of his position, knocking him into the foxhole and causing him to lose his grip on the already armed grenade. Recovering instantly, Pfc. Bellrichard recognized the threat to the lives of his 4 comrades and threw himself upon the grenade, shielding his companions from the blast that followed. Although severely wounded. Pfc. Bellrichard struggled into an upright position in the foxhole and fired his rifle at the enemy until he succumbed to his wounds. His selfless heroism contributed greatly to the successful defense of the position, and he was directly responsible for saving the lives of several of his comrades. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: BELLRICHARD

First name: LESLIE ALLEN

Home of Record (official): SAN JOSE

State (official): CA

Date of Birth: Thursday, December 4, 1941

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Army

Rank: PFC

Serial Number: 56824493

Component: Selective Service

Pay grade: E3

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B10

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Sunday, April 2, 1967

Date of Casualty: Saturday, May 20, 1967

Age at time of loss: 25

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Multiple fragmentation wounds (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Pleiku

The Wall: Panel 20E - Row 054

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