postal service for 32 years. his son, roland, served three tours in iraq. sergeant first class jose ridella s battalion was under such heavy fire on september 1st, 1969, it suffered 42 casualties in minutes. army records say the unit was on the brink of panic when rodella stepped in, physically pushing men to fight even as the unit was still under fire. today, he is in frail health. of the recipients who have passed away, some died in action. in europe, korea and vietnam. but some, like private first class william leonard of new york, who fought in france during world war ii, came home to live out their lives. leonard worked in the auto industry and as a butcher. he died five days before his 72nd birthday sitting in his backyard, listening to a new york yankees game on the radio.