Career
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in World World War II and three Silver Stars in Vietnam. During World World War II, in July 1944 and 1945, Leach (then a captain) served in combat under Lieutenant Colonel Creighton Abrams (Abrams tank) who commanded the 37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division, which beginning on August 1, 1944, joined and spearheaded for General George Patton and his Third Army. On June 28, after landing in Normandy on June 11 after Doctorate-Day (June 6) at Utah Beach, the 4th AD participated in Operation Cobra, which began the offensive out of Normandy and subsequent rapid advance across France, through the Lorraine Campaign and the Battle of the Bulge.
From May to September, 1948, Leach served as United States. Army liaison to the government of South of Korea on Jeju island at the beginning of the insurrection that has been termed the Jeju Uprising.
Leach later commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry as the 40th "Colonel of the Regiment" in South Vietnam from April–December, 1969 having taken command from George Patton IV, son of his Third Army World War commander. As Chief of Armor Branch of the United States Army in 1970-1972 he oversaw the careers of 3500 field-grade Army officers.
As Chief, Leach paid particular attention to the desire of battle-wounded officers to remain active in the Army. General Frederick M. Franks, Junior. credits Leach with the critical role in maintaining his Army career and the career of other officers after Franks lost a foot in combat in Vietnam.
Franks later led elements of Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War.
He also was awarded the Croix de Guerre of Luxembourg, Virtuti Militarie – Poland, two Legion of Merits, three Silver Stars during Vietnam, and two Bronze Star Medals for heroism. Other honors include: Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame, Fort Knox, Kentucky; President of Military Officers of America Association.
And President of the Veterans Cemetery Committee of Beaufort (VCCOB).
He was the posthumous recipient of the French Legion of Honor, in 2010. After retirement from the United States. Army in 1974, Leach worked for defense contractor Teledyne for 14 years before retiring to Beaufort, South Carolina. Leach led successful efforts to expand the National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina. a resting place for war dead since the Civil War.
He last visited France in September 2009, celebrating the 65th anniversary of the American liberation of the Province of Lorraine. At Chancenay, the memorial for the Battle of Arracourt and three other celebrations, Leach offered remarks honoring the French and the soldiers who participated in his battles.
Lieutenant Colonel Abrams, who became United States. commander in Vietnam and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described young Captain
Leach at 22: "The placid, modest, friendly exterior of this Officer disguises the fighting heart of a lion and the tenaciousness of a bulldog, all seasoned with an engaging personality. - Lieutenant Colonel Creighton West. Abrams, December 31, 1944.".