William G. Leftwich, Jr.
| William Groom Leftwich, Jr. | |
|---|---|
Leftwich, circa 1968
|
|
| Born |
April 28, 1931 Memphis, Tennessee |
| Died | November 18, 1970 (aged 39) Vietnam |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps
|
| Years of service | 1953–1970 |
| Rank |
 Lieutenant colonel
|
| Commands held | 2nd Battalion 1st Marines, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, First Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Silver Star Legion of Merit (3) Purple Heart (3) |
William Groom Leftwich, Jr. (April 28, 1931 – November 18, 1970) was an officer of the United States Marine Corps who served during the Vietnam War. In 1970, he was killed in a helicopter crash during a combat mission in the Vietnam War.
William Leftwich was born on April 28, 1931 in Memphis, Tennessee, where he graduated from Central High School. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on June 5, 1953 upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy. His roommate during part of his time at the Academy was Ross Perot. As Brigade Commander in his senior year at the Naval Academy, he was specially commended at graduation for exemplary officer-like qualities, which contributed “to the development of naval spirit and loyalty within the Brigade.”
Upon entering the Marine Corps, Leftwich completed The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia in January 1954, and later served as a rifle platoon commander with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. During 1955–56, he served with the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa. On his return to the United States, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California, where he was promoted to captain in July 1957. He then began a three-year assignment at the Naval Academy, serving as a company officer. An athlete himself, he also voluntarily performed collateral duty as assistant varsity tennis coach and battalion football coach.
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