Petty Officer Armando Garza Leal Jr. Middle School
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| Petty Officer Armando Garza Leal Jr. Middle School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
743 W Southcross Blvd , , 78211 | |
| Coordinates | 29°22′09″N 98°31′17″W / 29.36918°N 98.52136°W ⧼validator-fatal-error⧽ |
| Information | |
| Established | 1954 |
| School district | Harlandale Independent School District |
| Superintendent | Gerardo Soto |
| Principal | Patricia Garcia |
| Vice Principal | Jesse Quintero |
| Grades | 6-8 |
| Color(s) | |
| Mascot | Apaches |
| Feeder Elementary Schools | Collier Elementary School, Stonewall Flanders Elementary School, Columbia Heights Elementary School |
| Website | Official Website |
Armando Garza Leal Jr. Middle School formerly Southcross Junior High School is a middle school located at 743 W. Southcross Blvd in San Antonio, Texas, United States with a ZIP code of 78211. Armando Leal is part of the Harlandale Independent School District (HISD).
History[edit]
The school was originally built in 1954 as Southcross Junior High School. The school was renamed for Petty Officer Armando Garza Leal Jr. Armando Leal Jr. was a Vietnam War Hero and graduate of the school. Armando Leal Jr. grew up in the neighborhoods adjacent to then, Southcross Junior High School. He is remembered as a good friend, always happy with a positive outlook and a good sense of humor. He received training and graduated from the Navy Hospital Corps School and served as a corpsman attached to the U.S. Marine Corps. units actively fighting in Vietnam.
On September 4th, 1967, in Quảng Nam province, Vietnam, While attempting to relieve other Marine units that were cut off and engaged in heavy fighting with a numerically superior enemy force, Leal's M Company of 3/5 also became heavily engaged with the enemy. Outnumbered and with many units of their regiment already heavily engaged and unable to assist them, the determined men of M Company defended themselves against multiple enemy attacks. Suffering multiple injuries and exposing himself to enemy fire, Armando Leal Jr. administered first aid and evacuated several injured Marines. Wounded himself and through heavy enemy fire, Leal continued providing first aid, but was ultimately shot and killed in the engagement.[1]
Namesake[edit]
Armando Garza Leal Jr. was born on September 20, 1946 in San Antonio, Texas. As a graduate of Southcross Junior High School, he often wanted to join the military, but that took a tragic turn for the worst. On September 4th, 1967, Petty Officer Leal was stationed in Vietnam. During Operation SWIFT, the Second Platoon was providing security for the Battalion Command Group when the platoon came under heavy enemy fire. Petty Officer (then Hospitalman) Leal ran through the fire-swept area, and began administering first aid to several casualties who were directly exposed to grazing fire. Although constantly exposed to heavy fire, and painfully wounded himself, he rendered aid for two hours to wounded Marines who were located between friendly and enemy lines. He refused to be evacuated in order that he might continue his mission of mercy. While treating his comrades and moving them to protected areas, Petty Officer Leal was severely wounded for a second time and, despite being immobilized, calmly continued to aid his wounded comrades. A Marine tried to drag him to a covered position, but was shot in the hand and, at that time, Petty Officer Leal received a third wound. Petty Officer Leal pushed the Marine and told him to take cover from the assaulting enemy whom they both could see. Suddenly a North Vietnamese soldier fired a machine gun from close range, killing Petty Officer Leal.
Through his swift actions and professional skill in aiding and protecting the wounded, he significantly eased the suffering and undoubtedly saved the lives of several of his comrades. His exceptional courage and unfaltering dedication to duty in the face of great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Department of the Navy.[2]
Building[edit]
Originally built in 1954 as Southcross Junior High School, renovations were made in 1999, 2001, & 2010 with the construction of a new façade. As well as a renovation for the main buildings & gyms.
References[edit]
- ↑ "About the School". Leal Middle School.
- ↑ "Armando Garza Leal, Jr". The Virtual Well.
External links[edit]
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