“A reconnaissance patrol was returning after days in the bush. As the helicopter landed, the reporter wrote, “The first Marine stepped down from the helicopter and his camouflage uniform was stained black with sweat and dirt. A scraggly beard marred his face and deep fatigue was reflected in his eyes. (Lieutenant Colonel William) Leftwich was standing there, waiting to greet the young Marine “Welcome back,’ he said, shaking hands, and then he handed the tired and dirty Marine an opened ice-cold can of beer. We watched Leftwich greet each returning Marine that way.”
“One officer wrote, “I recall a worried executive officer…pacing around a jeep with the motor running…the colonel was talking with a young lieutenant on his first patrol…the general could wait, the lieutenant couldn’t…”
Lieutenant Colonel Leftwich was recognized by his seniors, contemporaries and his subordinates as an outstanding leader who exemplified the ideals of the Marine Corps. He was courageous, resourceful, and always looked to the best interests of the men in his command. He was described as “the epitome of integrity.” Every year, since 1979, the Marine Corps awards the Leftwich Trophy to a Captain in the Ground Combat Division who most exemplifies those qualities.
Lieutenant Colonel Leftwich was a man who knew what was a priority and what could wait.
He knew that:
- There is only one “priority” at any given time.
- He would decide what it was.
- He would do that one task, no matter what resistance was applied or how uncomfortable others might be.
- He decided the urgency.
- He would avoid all the shiny distractions which are always present.
- He knew what his “truth teller mirror” would say Every year, since 1979, the Marine Corps awards the Leftwich Trophy to a Captain in the Ground Combat Division who most exemplifies those qualities. If your organization had a similar award, who would win it?
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