Specialist Leonard Louis Alvarado, A Soldier's Story
Specialist Leonard Louis Alvarado, A Soldier's Story
Leonard Louis Alvarado was born on February 13, 1947, in Bakersfield, California. He attended East Bakersfield High School, graduating with his peers before choosing a path of service during one of the most demanding periods in American military history.
Shortly after graduation, Alvarado enlisted in the United States Army in 1968. He was deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division, serving with the 12th Cavalry Regiment during a conflict defined by difficult terrain, decentralized fighting, and constant exposure to enemy fire.
On August 12, 1969, while operating in Phuoc Long Province, Alvarado’s unit was moving to assist another platoon when it came under sudden and intense enemy attack. As hostile fire pinned down his fellow soldiers, Specialist Alvarado immediately returned fire, placing himself in an exposed position to provide covering fire for his unit.
Despite being wounded early in the engagement, he refused to withdraw. Alvarado continued to deliver accurate, sustained suppressive fire against the enemy, effectively slowing the assault and allowing his unit to maneuver and seek cover. Even after suffering additional wounds that would later prove fatal, he maintained his position, fully aware of the risk to his own life.
His actions disrupted the enemy attack and enabled his unit to withdraw from a position that might otherwise have resulted in heavy casualties. Specialist Leonard Louis Alvarado died as a result of the wounds he sustained during the engagement.
For his extraordinary heroism, conspicuous gallantry, and selfless devotion to duty at the cost of his life, Specialist Alvarado was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Specialist Leonard Louis Alvarado is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bakersfield, California. His sacrifice stands among the clearest expressions of valor, choosing the safety of others over his own life, and remains an enduring testament to courage under fire.
* Read about a.d. elliott's Everyday Patriot Project here*
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
