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Submitted by Steven Howell:
Leonel “Portugal” Silveira was an S-2 Scout in charge of two South Vietnamese “Kit Carson” scouts during the evacuation of LZ Russell. Engineers had placed explosive charges to destroy all of the facilities after evacuation.
Before all the men were evacuated, one of the Kit Carson scouts was seen tossing a cigarette in the direction of a 55 Gallon drum of fuel. Despite the danger, Leonel called to evacuate the area, but rather than seek protection himself, he chose to disable detonation cord that was strung out to plastic high explosives (Composition C-4) placed throughout the area. As a result of his action, Lionel was severely burned and later died, but his bravery saved the lives of many others.
Because the position was not under direct attack, Lionel was never awarded a Purple Heart Medal. In the confusion of the unit being relocated and the general confusion of war, itself, and also due to the 18 year secrecy that hid many of the details about LZ Russell, Lionel was never awarded a medal for his bravery in sacrificing his life to save others… the highest act a human being can do.
Be sure to read the amazing and heart warming account of Leonel’s surviving Son, Steven Howell, as he searched to find out about his Father, 30 years later. He has made contact with men who saw what is father did and they are now taking action to see that Lionel is awarded a medal for his bravery.
