Donald J. Leehey

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on February 28, 2007:

Donald James Leehey, Jr. Born August 15, 1927 ? Died February 24, 2007 Donald James "Don" Leehey was born in the State of Washington on 15 August 1927 and was appointed to West Point from the Army of the United States. His West Point classmates recall: "Don had been casting eyes on the Corps for a long time before he showed up for his four year stint. An Army Brat, he came to the Point via Amherst, Benning, and Stewart Field. Dominated by Goose at first, Don soon found his way in academics. Dividing his free time between dragging and athletics, he found little time for sack. He is assured of success in whatever branch he chooses." (The photo shows Don and Sara Leehey with Ed Zuver at an LA Founders Day dinner.) During his cadet days Don was with the Model Railroad Club all four years; on the Howitzer staff plebe year; was an Acolyte yearling, cow and first class years; was with the Skeet and Ski Clubs yearling and cow years; with the Chess Club cow year, with the Portuguese Club cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Don went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma reported to the 71st Anti Aircraft Battalion and served from 1951 to 1952. Next he received orders to the 64th Anti Aircraft Battalion in Japan and served from 1952 to 1954. Don's next duty was as Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Missouri where he served until 1957. From 1958 to 1959 Don was a Battery Commander with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Next Don was assigned to the Staff & Faculty at the Artillery and Guided Missiles School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he served from 1959 until 1962. Don's next duty was to the Army Combat Development Command (Artillery), Fort Belvoir, Virginia, served until 1963 and was award-ed a second Commendation Medal for distinguished service. From 1963 to 1965 Don served at the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Republic of Taiwan. In 1967 Don attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas while assigned to Continental Army Command from 1965 to 1969 and was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. From 1969 to 1971 Don served on the Staff of Commander in Chief Pacific and then was assigned to Military Assistance Command, Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. He was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Don's last military assignment was to Test and Evaluation Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground as Plant Representative to Litton Industries; served from 1972 to 1973 when he retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retirement Don went into the real estate industry and became a Colwell Banker agent in 1973. Don and his wife Sara made their home in California. Cullum No. 6608 is Donald James Leehey, Class of 1920.

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