Author Topic: Rest in peace Leon Kent!  (Read 267 times)

Offline WWhiskey

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Rest in peace Leon Kent!
« on: February 20, 2015, 08:30:52 AM »
“Anti-aircraft gunners, who stayed behind when the infantry withdrew, played a vital role in preventing a major German breakthrough in Belgium. … One battery, commanded by Lt. Leon Kent of Los Angeles, knocked out five tanks, including one King Tiger tank, in two hours.”


http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/leon-kent-who-stopped-a-line-of-tanks-at-battle-of-the-bulge-dies-at-99-1.330571
Flying since tour 71.

Offline Ratsy

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Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2015, 08:52:44 AM »
Great find, Whiskey.  I didn't know that the AA battalions also had a counter-battery mission until I was researching my uncle's unit, 457th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AW) Battalion, 16th AAA Group, 49th AAA Brigade, 1st Army (Bradley, then Patton). 

I certainly didn't know about Kent's unit taking on a column of tanks!  I wish his memorial had provided information about his unit.

My uncle, awarded a Silver Star, was killed in one of the Saar river fights on December 12th, 1944.

Every time I learn something about these men, and their war, I am humbled.

 :salute
George "Ratsy" Preddy
328th FS - 352nd FG
Died December 25th, 1944, Near Liege - Ardennes

Operating with the Arabian Knights - callsign AKRaider

Offline Nypsy

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Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2015, 02:03:29 PM »
 :salute

Offline Maverick

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Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2015, 12:29:52 PM »
RIP Sir, thank you for our freedom.  :salute
DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
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Offline Dichotomy

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Re: Rest in peace Leon Kent!
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2015, 06:15:31 PM »
 :salute

 :pray
JG11 - Dicho37Only The Proud Only The Strong AH Players who've passed on :salute