Leonard Bittle Scott, III

Colonel Leonard Bittle Scott, III was born on 2 January 1948 in Bremerhaven, Germany. He was raised in Minco, OK, graduating from Minco High School in 1966. He was a three-sport athlete, Student Council President, and Beta Club member. He joined the Oklahoma National Guard in his senior year.

Scott attended the University of Central Oklahoma for two years before being selected for the 1968 Oklahoma National Guard Officer Candidate School. He was the top graduate. He was commissioned an Infantry officer in February 1969 and graduated from the Army’s Airborne, Ranger, and Pathfinder schools.

He deployed to Vietnam in 1970 and joined the "Charlie Rangers," Company C (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment. For actions on 22 May 1970, while supporting reconnaissance missions for the 4th Infantry Division in Operation Binh Tay I, Scott was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. Scott’s ambush team came under enemy fire wounding his assistant team leader. His award citation reads in part, "…With complete disregard for his own safety…he moved from his covered position… turning the enemy’s attention to himself… When the extraction ships arrived… he then moved to an exposed position to direct the extraction of his element… Scott’s personal bravery… reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

In addition to the Silver Star, his awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and two Air Medals.

Scott has served as a Company Commander at the Army Airborne School, and Commander of the 507th Airborne Battalion. He completed work at the Armed Forces Staff College and Army War College on his way to assignments at the Joint Chiefs of Staff J3 Special Operations Detachment.

In 1994 Scott retired after 30 years of military service. He taught STEM education in Edmond, OK and continued his writing career that included his 1985 novel, Charlie Mike.