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| Cpl. Archie Leeds earned the Silver Star while serving in the 35th Infantry Division in the Rhineland. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/100183550/archie-delano-leeds/photo http://www.35thinfdivassoc.com/Rhineland/Rhineland-Story-1.shtml |
Archie Delano Leeds never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
He was born on February 18, 1920 in Council Grove, Kansas. His parents Alburn and Ida were born in Kansas and Illinois, respectively. His father worked as a farmer. Archie had three older brothers, three older sisters, and one younger sister. He graduated from high school where he lettered in football.
A member of the National Guard, Archie joined the 137th Infantry Regiment in July 1940. He became a corporal in the 137th IR's Cannon Company. The 137th was attached to the 35th Infantry Division. Cpl. Leeds was sent to Europe in May 1944. The 35th ID arrived in Normandy a month after D-Day. The 35th ID suffered nearly 16,000 casualties during it's time in Europe, more men than they started with.
After taking part in the fighting in Normandy, it advance through France and was only held back as it got close to the Rhineland. In November it successfully captured the French towns of Jalloucourt, Fresnes, Viviers, Achain, and Morhange. It was during this time that Cpl. Leeds earned the Silver Star.
For gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 19 November 1944.
During the attack on the village of **** by elements of the **** Infantry Regiment, their Cannon Company was called upon to deliver exceptionally close supporting fire. Corporal Leeds accompanied the forward observer to the foremost point in the advance and assisted in the establishment of an observation post.
When telephone communication between this observation post and the forward gun positions were disrupted by enemy shelling, Corporal Leeds made his way through a heavy artillery barrage to a radio position, established contact with the Cannon Sections and directed the fire of his unit upon the enemy. He then returned to his observation post and continued to adjust the fire of supporting field artillery units.
Corporal Leeds was killed in a later action. His intrepid bravery in the face of the most intense enemy artillery fire and unusual devotion to duty reflect high credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the military service.
Thank you Cpl. Leeds for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Archie.
Last year on this date I profiled Okinawa fallen John Childers, 7th Infantry Division. You can read about John here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Follow on Twitter @ww2fallen100
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
Cpl. Leeds was killed on December 10, 1944 while in France. His jeep was hit by a shell.
On the first anniversary of his death his family printed this poem in memorium in the Council Grove Republican newspaper:
Your going away was so sudden, It struck us like a blow.
And left us broken hearted, so grieved to see you go.
Tho hard to bear, God knew 'twas best.
When He took you home to Him to rest.
Away from the world so full of tears.
It's grief, heartache, sorrow, and fears,
Until that day when we meet again, May angels around you hover,
This will be our prayer each day, Dear boy, our precious son and brother.
His grave is at Greenwood Cemetery in Council Grove, Kansas.
Last year on this date I profiled Okinawa fallen John Childers, 7th Infantry Division. You can read about John here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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