Private Leonard M. Rice

Today we honor and remember PVT Leonard M. Rice of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd PIR, 101st Airborne Division.

103 years ago, Private Leonard Madison Rice of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 101st Airborne Division, was born in Toronto, Canada, on August 2, 1923. He later moved with his family to Buffalo, Erie County, New York. He was killed in action on January 4, 1945.

Before entering the service on January 19, 1943, he was a member of the 74th Regiment NYG, a historic New York Army National Guard based in Buffalo. Private Rice was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division from the 12th Replacement Depot on October 7, 1944. Four days later, he was assigned to Service Company, 502nd PIR, and then sent to the 101st Airborne Division Jumping School at Chilton Foliat. On October 24, 1944, he completed his jump training and received his wings. He was then assigned to Easy Company, 502nd PIR on November 30, 1944.

On January 3, 1945, the Germans launched a major attack with 25 tanks, supported by infantry, to try and get a hold of Longchamps, a town situated north of Bastogne, Belgium.

Longchamps was defended by the paratroopers of 2nd Battalion despite heavy losses. When the attack failed, the Germans made a last-ditch effort and attacked Champs the next day, with the same result. Even though the German attack was not directed at Easy Company’s position at Longchamps, Private Rice was killed in action by a gunshot wound to the head.

Private Rice was first buried at Plot F, Row 5, Grave 123, of the temporary American Military Cemetery Grand Failly #1 in France on January 8, 1945. On August 24, 1948, he was disinterred and prepared for a final reburial. On December 10, 1948, he was moved by truck to Hamm, Luxembourg. Private Rice rests eternally at Plot E, Row 16, Grave 39 of the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, where he was reburied on April 8, 1949.

Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter T. Rice, he left behind three brothers.

Private Rice was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

May he rest in peace. 🇺🇸