2nd Lt. Leon W. Ellsworth, United States Marine Corps, 5th Division, was a member of Marine Observation Squadron Five (VMO-5) at the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was shot down and killed behind enemy lines at Iwo Jima on March 21, 1945, after risking his life to take photos and gather details of enemy emplacements on the island. Operating from his exposed cockpit to complete 26 low-altitude sorties over enemy positions despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he relayed critical intelligence data to the American invasion force. For his exceptional heroism and valor, 2nd Lt. Leon W. Ellsworth was posthumously awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
2nd Lt. Leon W. Ellsworth, United States Marine Corps, 5th Division, was a member of Marine Observation Squadron Five (VMO-5) at the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was shot down and killed behind enemy lines at Iwo Jima on March 21, 1945, after risking his life to take photos and gather details of enemy emplacements on the island. Operating from his exposed cockpit to complete 26 low-altitude sorties over enemy positions despite intense anti-aircraft fire, he relayed critical intelligence data to the American invasion force. For his exceptional heroism and valor, 2nd Lt. Leon W. Ellsworth was posthumously awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Inscription
LEON W ELLSWORTH
WASHINGTON
2 LT US MARINE CORPS
WORLD WAR II
MAY 24 1923 MARCH 13 1945
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
