Circumstances of Death:

Captain Leon Gordon Chadwick III, 26, died on November 14, 1966 when the helicopter he was piloting crash-landed due to hostile action in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He reportedly was killed when he piloted his aircraft low into a large Viet Cong force firing rockets and machine guns until helicopter transports successfully evacuated an ambushed team of riflemen. He continued to lead an attack until all ground forces were safe before being shot down.

He is honored at the Vietnam War Memorial, Panel 12E, Row 070, in Washington, D.C. He is buried in a private cemetery.

Awards:
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Vietnam Campaign
Silver Star Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
13 Air Medals

History of Service:

Captain Chadwick attended N.C. State University before transferring to UNC to take a Naval ROTC scholarship. While at UNC, he served as magister of Alpha Tau Chapter fraternity and battalion commander of the NROTC unit. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the Marines and assigned to gun ship roles in Vietnam. During his service he was stationed at Quantico, VA, Camp Pendleton, CA, & Danang, Republic of Vietnam

Promoted to 1st LT 05 December 1964.

If you have additional information or material (anecdotes, photos, etc.) about this alumnus, please contact our secretary.