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Three Nationally Acclaimed Heroes Put Leeds In A League Of Its Own

| November 11, 2017 @ 5:00 am

By Carla Davis

Perhaps former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said it best: “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times that the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.”

That was certainly the case for three servicemen from Leeds who went far beyond the call of duty to save the lives of their comrades during battle. Because of their extraordinary actions, these ordinary men, PFC Alford McLaughlin, First Lt. William Lawley and Staff Sgt. Henry “Red” Erwin, each received America’s highest tribute, the Medal of Honor, and have become Leeds’ most celebrated heroes.

The Medal of Honor, established during the Civil War, is the highest and most prestigious U.S. military decoration presented to members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves while serving their country. Since its inception, the Medal of Honor has been awarded to 3,516 men and one woman.“To have three Medal of Honor recipients is rare for a town as small as Leeds,” said Frank Little, chairman of the Leeds Historical Society board of directors. “You can ask almost anybody in Leeds, and they can quote you the three names. What these men did was amazing and exemplifies the patriotism of our city.”

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