Leon G. James II
Profile
Age: 46
From: Sackets Harbor, N.Y.
Assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 314th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 78th Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.
Incident: Army Lt. Col. Leon G. James II died Oct. 10 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., of injuries sustained Sep. 26 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Baghdad.
Died: October 10, 2005
Slain officer loved the outdoors, says family
Associated Press
SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. — A Fort Drum officer who passed up retirement to continue serving in the Army died Monday of injuries he suffered in an explosion in Iraq, his family said.
The Defense Department said Tuesday that Lt. Col. Leon James II, 46, of Sackets Harbor, died at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He was injured in a road attack in Baghdad Sept. 26 that claimed the lives of two other soldiers, Sgt. 1st Class Casey Howe of Philadelphia, N.Y., and Master Sgt. Tulsa Tuliau of Watertown.
They were assigned to Fort Drum’s 3rd Battalion, 314th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 78th Division.
James’ mother-in-law, Ursula Hicks of Fayetteville, N.C., said the men were riding in a Humvee when they swerved to avoid a suspicious vehicle, which then exploded.
Hicks recalled how her son-in-law loved spending time...
Occupation
Incident
Prayers & Messages
One year has passed since you left us. I will always remember you. I will always wonder if there was something I could have done different that day in Baghdad to help save your life so you could return home to your family, as I have. You arrived into the Emergency room without a heartbeat and that is where I met you. We worked so hard to save your life. I will always ask myself WHY! WHY! WHY! Time will pass but you will never be forgotten by those that know and love you. Rest in peace.
I have never met you but have heard a lot about you. I heard you had a great smile and I know that you are in heaven smiling down at Sylvia, Maria, Rachel & Kathryn. My heart goes out to them. This candle is for you. D
was my uncle everyone called him buster
i think i can talk for everyone when i say he will still be here in spirit and heart
Sylvia, I pray for you and the girls every day. I'm always just a phone call away.
Love,
Rose
Sylvia and the girls xoxoxoxoxo