DinosPhotos

As a Korean War vet and close to retirement Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Leonard had completed nearly 20 years of service when he died in a firefight in the jungles of Vietnam. He volunteered to go to Vietnam because, "he had sons the age of the boys sent to Nam and he thought he could make a difference." During a vicious battle he sacrificed his life to save his platoon, and for that he received the Medal of Honor.
Mathew Leonard was born Nov. 26, 1929, in Alabama. Leonard enlisted in the Army in 1947 when he was in 11th grade. Leonard served in Korea early in his career.

After the war Leonard served as a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. But as the war in Vietnam broke out, Leonard's wife said he struggled to watch those young recruits, who weren't much older than his sons, go to war and die. So, even though he was close to retirement, he volunteered to deploy in the hope of making a difference.
On Feb. 28, 1967, Leonard was serving as Platoon Sergeant for Company B of the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. They were near Suoi Da when the platoon was suddenly fired on with small arms, automatic weapons and hand grenades by a much larger enemy force.

The platoon's commander and several other key leaders were among some of the first wounded, so Leonard quickly stepped up to lead the response.

He rallied the platoon to push back the initial assault, then organized a defensive perimeter, redistributed ammunition and encouraged the men to hold their ground. As he grabbed a wounded soldier who was outside the perimeter and dragged him to safety, a sniper hit Leonard and shattered his hand.

The well-hidden enemy's assault was picking up, so Leonard refused medical attention and kept fighting. He moved from position to position to direct counterfire against the enemy, which had moved a machine gun into place that could sweep the entire perimeter.

Just as that was happening, Leonard's own platoon's machine gun malfunctioned, magnifying the threat. So, Leonard crawled to the gun. He was working to help get it functioning again when his gunner and other nearby soldiers were hit by the enemy machine gun's strafing.

Leonard got to his feet and charged the enemy gun. Despite being hit several times, he still managed to take out the enemy machine gun's crew. Leonard struggling to continue then propped himself up on a tree and kept shooting until he finally succumbed to his wounds.
Leonard died just six months short of his retirement. However, his intense bravery, leadership and fighting spirit inspired his platoon to hold the enemy back until help arrived, and his actions posthumously earned him the Medal of Honor.

Tribute to my father in law. Bill Lohr!

This is my friend, Avie, riding at the Henderson Saddle Association. The "oil painting" change to the background seems to work well with this photo. What do you think?

Photo of Bonnie Springs!

Photography to be remembered!
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I got a lot of studio lighting practice in with 9 grandchildren!!! This is Serenity Rose at age 1

The moon on November 15th in Las Vegas was very bright. Manual settings, 100 ISO, 125th of a second shutter and a small aperture. I started with F8 but had to keep going as the moon was whited out. Canon 70 to 200 2.8 lens. Canon 7D Mark II is a crop sensor so I get and extra 1.6 Xs closer. Someday a much longer lens as I love to photograph the moon!

Maliah Ellis heading home on Treasure!

For those wanting to feel the peace and tranquility in their home or office…I find water, piers, sail boats and clouds to be very helpful!

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This old farm house in Maryland would make a great print once I'm finished with it. It all starts with a correct exposure and composition.

I so enjoyed this photo shoot of the Wild West Outlaws. Only thing missing are the pistols! lol. This was definitely fun!

Capture the Moment! The Baptism of our Grand Daughter Bria and this wonderful facial reactions from parents, Godfather and Priest. So genuine and heartwarming.