Sgt. Denny Leighton

June 1947   -  August  1995

'I Salute this Marine for his Outstanding Service in Vietnam as a Bravo BushMaster and a great Marine Brother. Denny's service was a major contribution to our Platoon ;  his fearless, unselfish actions to protect and motivate his Marine Brothers set an example for all.  We are all  Proud to have served beside such a great Marine.'

                             Semper Fidelis
                                       LCpl. Bruce Cader

'Denny Leighton's Citation is only one example of his fearless and valuable service in the Vietnam War.'

Navy Commendation Medal
  with Combat 'V' for Valor

Lock  and  Load

"Sgt. Denny Leighton checking his Rifle Squad  for combat readiness.  They are all loaded down with as much as they can carry.......in the Vietnam heat you could never carry enough water.
This photo captures the seriousness of the situation....evident in Denny's face as concern for his men ;  their preparedness is that of Point Squad.......some Marines with fatigue pants rolled up in preparation for mucking through water....most likely rice paddies.....they are all motivated for the combat that at this time they know is ahead of them.

      These Marines are self-motivated, they will use initiative when they are hit.......they will automatically go to the sound of the gun."

                                                                               LCpl. Bruce Cader

".......my dad had a lot of respect for Gerry.......and all of you guys...he didn't like to talk about Nam much......but when he did talk about Nam and the guys he was there with, he got a twinkle in his eye......he always said that if he could go back in time and still know what he knew now......that he would still go back to Nam.....he said that that was the greatest time of his life and that he was with great people.....the point that I am trying to make is that I know that he would've done anything that you guys would have asked him to do or help you guys out in any way that he possibly could right up to the day that he died.....you guys were like family.....and I have that same respect for all of you too....."

                                                   his son,
                                                        Denny Leighton (Jr.)