Leonard B. Keller

LEONARD B. KELLER, 62 PENSACOLA, Fla. - Medal of Honor recipient Leonard B. Keller passed away Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was 62. "Len" was born Feb. 25, 1947, in Rockford, Ill., to Margaret Wheaton and Homer Keller. He attended Guilford High School in Rockford and joined the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of sergeant in Company A, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. He received his Medal of Honor citation for action in Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam, on May 2, 1967, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Len had a full career working in the supply department at NAS Pensacola. He retired in 2008 but continued working as a consultant with the U.S. Navy at NAS Pensacola until the time of his death. Len belonged to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and traveled to various events to speak to schools, honor veterans and to show his deep love and respect for the military. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, two O/S Bars, Silver Star, Good Conduct Medal, and received an Expert Badge M-14 Rifle. He is survived by his daughters, Nichole (Joseph) Siccardi Jr. and Jacquiline Keller; their mother, JoAnn Christiansen; daughter, Michelle (Billy) Copple; and her mother, Susan Furth. Len enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Stacia Connor, Skyler Schultz, Anthony Randazzo, Shayla Schultz, Kayli Connor, Alex Randazzo and Micah Keller. Len is also survived by siblings, Larry Keller of Glendale Ariz., Lonnie Keller of New Port Richey and Lorraine Alberici, Louis Keller and Lisa Schnard, all of Rockford. He was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Wheaton, and father, Homer Keller. Len will be best remembered as a lighthearted, humble man with a great sense of humor and a love for life. He will be missed greatly as a true companion, friend and father with a passion and honor for all of his military brothers. Friends and family are invited to the memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in Cherry Valley United Methodist Church, Cherry Valley, Ill., with Pastor Nancy Rethford officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Len's name to a scholarship fund through the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Local arrangements by Waters and Hibbert Funeral Home.