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From the beginning, his classmates knew there was something very special about <em>Leonard Lee Preston</em>. It showed the minute “the man in the red sash” started yelling as he and his classmates walked through the sally port on that hot July day in 1963. Lee, unlike most of his peers, retained his calm demeanor and certainty of purpose. He was an “Army brat” after all, and he knew more than most about such military things as “spit shining” shoes, GI “whitewall” haircuts, and “hurry-up and wait.”</p>
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But beyond his own self-control in chaotic situations, such as Beast Barracks, there was a clear sense that Lee placed the welfare of his classmates and friends before that of himself. It was this characteristic of caring and sharing that was to benefit his classmates and win their genuine friendship and respect in the coming four years. Lee’s versatility had many facets, thus making it easy for him to lend help to all those in need. He was an excellent student who often tutored those who had difficulty composing English essays or balancing equations in chemistry. The Howitzer committee greatly benefited from Lee’s organizational and writing skills during all four years.</p>
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His love for sports—particularly tennis and squash—was deep and a source of great personal pleasure. Lee’s athletic abilities contributed to many Army victories over its opponents during his two years as a letterman in tennis and his four years as a standout letterman in squash. Lee was driven to win, yet gracious in victory and quick to give praise to his opponent in defeat.</p>
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The moral and character traits that Lee exhibited at West Point were forged in the years before his donning cadet gray. He was born in Lexington, KY, the first son of Mary P. Preston, an English teacher, and Leonard Lee Preston, Sr., an Army Infantry officer. His mother taught him about academic excellence, as well as about tolerance and compassion. His father, having been a collegiate football star at the University of Kentucky, taught him the value of teamwork and the rewards of determination. Lee experienced sacrifice when his father was seriously wounded at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea. He learned his lessons well and became the ideal role model for his younger brother Bill and his sister Beth. The family moves to Germany and Japan served to whet Lee’s appetite for travel and for sharing in, and appreciating, the customs of other nationalities.</p>
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Lee’s four years at West Point passed by quickly, and suddenly it was time to choose his branch of arms and first duty assignment. Ever mindful of the evolving events in South Viet Nam, he joined his classmates in the spring of 1967 in Thayer Hall to make his selections. Without fanfare, Lee chose Armor as his branch and volunteered for South Viet Nam as his first assignment. His choices came as no surprise to his classmates, for we had come to know that if there was a challenge, that’s where we would find Lee.</p>
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After graduation leave, Lee went on to excel at the Armor Basic Course and Ranger School. There was a short assignment in an Armor battalion at Ft. Knox, KY, before he received orders to South Viet Nam. He loved the duty, and his soldiers quickly responded with their respect and admiration for him. In May 1968, Lee reported to the 2-8 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Air Calvary Division, in Viet Nam. He was assigned as a platoon leader and soon distinguishing himself by his gallantry in close combat with North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. Having performed with valor in the field, Lee was selected to become the 2-8 Cavalry Regiment S-2. Shortly thereafter, on 21 Mar 1969, Lee and several other members of the battalion staff lost their lives when hostile fire caused their helicopter to crash while performing reconnaissance over enemy controlled terrain. Lee’s body was recovered and laid to rest at Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, KY—his birthplace.</p>
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The final sentence in Lee’s biographical sketch in the '67Howitzer reads, “One can certainly say that Lee never met a man he didn’t like.” The same can be said of all those who were fortunate enough to meet Lee. To know him, was not only to like him, but to be indelibly influenced by his generosity, kindness, and sincere dedication to his country, his family, his classmates, and his many friends.</p>