L Detachment, 82nd Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, US Army
“My Dad loved this Country and The U.S. Army in a way that words could never convey. He enlisted at the age of seventeen because he knew he would likely be drafted when he turned Eighteen and he wanted to serve with other Volunteers and have the option to choose his MOS.” -Jon Roberts-Somerset, KY.
Leroy Enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and served until 1973 while completing two combat tours of Vietnam. He completed Basic Combat Training and Airborne School at Fort Bragg, NC. Leroy then qualified as a UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) Maintenance Specialist at The U.S. Army Helicopter Training Academy at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Leroy was assigned to The 82nd Aviation Brigade whom he deployed to Vietnam with from 1967-1968. In 1969 Leroy qualified as a UH-1 Crew Chief and was assigned to The 4th Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. SPC-5 Roberts deployed to Vietnam with 4th ID from 1970-1971, earning a conditional promotion to SPC-7 and assigned the task of leading the maintenance, readiness and flight operation of a platoon of UH-1 Helicopters. Leroy was awarded The Purple Heart on three occasions for being wounded in Combat. For his service and bravery, Leroy was awarded many military awards and decorations including The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor (2OLC) and The Air Medal for Valor.
Leroy completed his Service in 1973, settling into the Suburbs of Chicago IL. Leroy worked in the Steel Processing industry, eventually rising to the executive ranks of production and management.
