MAJ Roy “Buddy” H. Leggett was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 04/06/2014 at the age of 81.3 from Lymphoma
Columbus, GA
Flight Class 57-12
Date of Birth 12/07/1932
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 34 GS GRP in 66-67, 382 TC DET in 69, 478 HHC in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam HURRICANE 9
This information was provided by Jess Brock
More detail on this person: Roy Hilton Leggett, Maj (Ret) USAR graduated with Flight class 58-4. Call sign Hurricane 6.
Roy passed away April 6, 2014, after a valiant battle with T-cell lymphoma and other cancers.
Roy enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1952. He rose through the ranks to SFC. In 1958 he completed the Warrant Officer Flight program. In 1962 he was awarded a direct appointment to 2nd Lt. He served two tours in Vietnam. His first was with 34th Group as the Adjutant. His second tour, he Commanded The 478th AVN (HH) CH-54 Company and the 382 Maintenance Unit.
His awards include The Purple Heart, BSM w/ olc, Air Medal w/ V dev and 7 olc , Senior Aviator Badge, Parachutist badge, VSM w/ 5 stars, NDSM w/ 1 olc, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ palm, Armed forces reserve medal, Meritorious Unit Citation w/ 1 olc, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60s device.
Roy continued to serve after his retirement from the Army. He became the Chief of Contracting at Ft. Benning, Ga. He departed to fulfill a vital contracting role in Abu Dhabi, UAE during Desert Storm. He returned to Columbus College and Georgia Tech to assist small businesses and individuals in contracting with the U.S. Government. He was employed in this arena at the time of his death.
He was serving as President of the 101st Airborne Division Association- Columbus, GA Chapter, Life member of MOAA and a member of the VHPA.
Roy was preceded in death by son, Frank Leggett.
Roy is survived by his wife of 62 years, June, their son Roy H. Leggett Jr, two granddaughters, grandson, a brother , many relatives in Mississippi and many special friends.
Just a note: If you have one friend like Roy (Buddy) Leggett in life, you are a very fortunate person.
From: Jess Brock
Obituary: Major (Ret.) Roy Hilton Leggett, Sr., 81, of Columbus, GA died Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Columbus Hospice House.
Graveside Services with full military honors will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 PM -8:00 PM at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.
Major Leggett. was born December 7, 1932 in Aberdeen, MS, son of the late Tarzan Leggett and Annie Hilton Jones. He entered the army in 1952 and attended Warrant Officer Candidate School in 1957. During his career, he flew CH 34 helicopters in Germany and received a direct commission in Germany in 1961. After attending many advanced aviation courses, Roy spent two years in Vietnam commanding a CH 34 Company. His military career was completed after 20 years as a Major at Ft. Estes, VA in 1972. Roy also obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy State University in 1977. Major Leggett later entered Civil Service work in 1979 while stationed at Ft. Benning. He continued to serve in this capacity at Ft. Eustis and Ft. Lee. Having obtained the position Chief of Contracting which later transitioned into his work at Columbus State University’s Cunningham Center where he worked for Georgia Tech. He was active in many civilian and military organizations including past President of the Retired Officers Association.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Frank C. Leggett.
Survivors include his loving wife, of 62 years, June Hale Carden Leggett of Columbus, GA; son, Roy Hilton Leggett, Jr. of Columbus, GA; daughter, Cindy Leggett, wife of deceased son Frank C. Leggett; two grandchildren, his beloved Anne Carden Leggett and Lauren Durkee along with four great grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank their dear friends, Jess and Marge Brock who have made the long and arduous struggle with Roy’s illness so much more bearable and special thanks also to the dedicated and caring staff of Columbus Hospice.