Captain Gerald Edwin E. Leach

Gerlad Edwin E Leach was born in Gardner Massachusetts on January 14, 1915. After a childhood spent in Massachusetts he moved to Elida NM where he graduated from HS. He started his studies at NMAMC in September of 1934, graduating in 1938 with his Biology degree. While attending NMAMC he was active in student life serving as vice president of his sophomore class, president of his junior class and vice president of the student commission. Upon graduation he was commissioned as reserve officer on the Us Army. Following graduation he married Rebecca Sears who he met while in school. He then taught at Las Cruces Junior High while she remained in school. In February 1942 he was called to active duty and attended OCS training at Fort Benning Georgia. He was then assigned to an anti tank unit forming at Camp Hood Texas in September 1942. He was promoted to 1st Lt in November 1942 and to Captain in January 1943. On July 2, 1943, Captain leach was found dead in the orderly room of the antitank company he commanded. His death was ruled a suicide from a self inflicted gun shot to the head. His body was returned to Roswell NM where it was interred with full military honors in the South Park Cemetery. On December 19, 1943, 5 months following his death, his wife gave birth to a daughter. Captain Gerald Edwin Leach was 27 years of age at the time of his death.