Leonard William Lenz was born in Bloomfield, Nebraska, on 24 January 1914, to Frank and Mary (Rohwer) Lenz. His siblings are Walter, Laura, John, and Marcella. The family moved to Sioux City in 1925. Leonard attended Woodrow Wilson and graduated from Central High School. Leonard married Loretta Johnson in Sioux City, on 22 June 1941.
Their children are Terrance, Garland and Melinda. Terrance died in a hayride accident at age 16.
Leonard joined the Army in January 1942, from Sioux City. Leonard trained at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, learning Radio Signal duties. He left the U.S. for the South Pacific, March 1942. Spent Easter ’43 at a native village. The helped and protected the U.S. soldiers from the Japs.
Leonard saw action in New Guinea, Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands, New Goorgio Airport and was in New Zealand for a short time. Leonard was discharged 4 October 1945, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
Leonard was awarded 2 Bronze Stars for campaigns in the North Solomons and Guadalcanal per WDGO 33-4—1945. He also received the Good Conduct medal. He was entitled to wear the Asiatic, Pacific Theatre Campaign ribbon, European, African, Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign ribbon, and 4 Overseas Bars.
The 25th were close friends and had several reunions after the war, one in ’48 in Sioux City; always kept in touch through letters. Leonard never said much about the war.
Leonard is remembered as a happy and wonderful husband and father and friend. He enjoyed life and was always ready to help his community and church. Was President of AAL Federation Branch 307 over twenty years. Post war brought employment as Manager of Conoco Service Station, Sports Department, Boats & Motors Shop, and owner of Electric Shave Service store. He attended workshops and seminars and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Leonard wrote home often of his parents and me (his wife), never forgot birthdays and holidays. He didn’t complain. So much of the letters were erased but we were happy to know Leonard was OK. When he had malaria and Derigue Fever, his buddies would send a note to me.
Leonard died 29 March 1996, in Mesa, Arizona, and is buried in Memorial Cemetery, Sioux City.
Submitted by his wife, Loretta E. Lenz.
