Briefing Document: Leslie Edward Burnham

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Biographical Information on Leslie Edward Burnham

Source: https://hotvetsmem.com/kwcas/hotkwrhrbios.html#LEB

1. Overview:

This document provides a biographical summary of Leslie Edward Burnham, drawing from the provided text excerpt. It outlines his birth, family, upbringing, education, military service, and tragic death. The primary focus is on factual information and events in his life.

2. Key Details & Themes:

Early Life and Family:Born on October 22, 1928, in Brownwood, Texas to Myrtle Rimer Lane and Leslie Dee Burnham.

He had a sister and three brothers.

His family resided in Precinct 1, San Saba County, Texas, throughout his childhood.

Upbringing and Education:Raised in San Saba County and attended local schools.

Graduated from San Saba High School around 1947.

Demonstrated an interest in sports, both participating in them and writing about them.

Contributed to the school newspaper and the sports section of the San Saba News.

Worked as a ranch hand for the Owen Brothers after graduating high school.

Military Service:Enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 11, 1951.

Completed training in Georgia and California.

Served as a Corporal in the 63rd Military Police Platoon of the 6th Infantry Division.

Stationed at Fort Ord, California, with the military police.

Tragic Death:Died on March 4, 1953, due to an accidental gunshot wound.

The incident occurred while he was instructing another soldier on how to clean a handgun. The ".45 caliber pistol" discharged, hitting him near the heart.

The death was ruled as in the line of duty despite being a "non-battle event."

Burial:His body was returned to Texas and buried in the San Saba City Cemetery on Sunday, March 8, 1953.

3. Important Facts:

Date of Birth: October 22, 1928

Place of Birth: Brownwood, Brown County, Texas

Parents: Myrtle Rimer Lane and Leslie Dee Burnham

High School: San Saba High School

Military Branch: U.S. Army

Military Unit: 63rd Military Police Platoon, 6th Infantry Division

Rank: Corporal

Military Identification: 54013808

Date of Death: March 4, 1953

Cause of Death: Accidental gunshot wound

Place of Death: Fort Ord, California

Burial Site: San Saba City Cemetery, San Saba County, Texas

4. Notable Quotes from Source:

"He graduated about 1947 from the San Saba High School where he was active in sports and was writing about sports for the school's newspaper."

"On 4 March 1953, while in the barracks instructing another soldier how to clean a hand gun, he was fatally wounded in the chest by an accidental discharge of the .45 caliber pistol held by the other soldier."

"The bullet hit very near his heart and he was dead in just a few minutes. This non-battle event was in the line of duty."

5. Conclusion:

Leslie Edward Burnham was a young man who grew up in rural Texas, was interested in sports and writing, and served his country in the U.S. Army. His life was tragically cut short by an accidental shooting while on duty. The provided document provides a factual summary of his life, based primarily on genealogical information, and does not give any insight into his personality or relationships beyond his family.