CSM (Ret) Leonard L. Letoto

Command Sergeant Major Leonard L. Letoto grew up in Hawaii and enlisted in the United States Army and completed Basic Combat Training.

Throughout his career he held numerous leadership positions ranging from team leader to command sergeant major in combat infantry units.

One of his most notable positions included his time as First Sergeant of Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light). During his time with the Wolfhounds in the early 1960s, Schofield Barracks was the home of the Army's premiere counter-guerrilla training center. There were courses in Asian languages, jungle survival, warfare and military tactics, including rappelling from helicopters and cliffs. First Sergeant (at the time) Letoto's unit would put these skills to the test as they deployed to the Republic of South Vietnam in response to a request from the U.S. Military Assistance Command in Vietnam.

As the First Sergeant, Letoto's mission in January 1966 was to set up a base camp at Cu Chi, which was west of Saigon and a Viet Cong rest area. During the Tet offensives of 1968 and 1969, his unit was instrumental in defending Saigon. The Wolfhounds would receive notoriety for their brave actions during the Battle of Hobo Woods. During this battle, the Wolfhounds – spent nearly four hours under heavy fire, fighting off a much larger enemy force. With his 92 Soldiers, First Sergeant Letoto (at the time) withdrew only under orders, when their ammunition was almost gone. According to Letoto, they left with 32 wounded and sustained 56 casualties as it was one of the toughest days he ever had to serve.

For the Wolfhounds valor and gallantry in this battle near Hobo Woods, 1st Sergeant Letoto and Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, received a Presidential Unit Citation which was presented and recognized at Schofield Barracks on July, 8 2011.

CSM Letoto retired after 22 years of service and currently resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. He continues to actively participate in Wolfhound, Tropic Lightning and Veteran-related events across the island.