Leonard Fish Wing Sr
11/12/1893-12/19/1945
Born in Ira, Vermont 1893. His parents moved to Rutland in 1908. He graduated from Rutland HS in 1910. He attended Norwich University. After graduating he studied law, attaining admission to the bar in 1917.
He enlisted in the Army for WWI serving Ft Ethan Allen, Ft Gordon, GA and Ft Dix, NJ completing his Officer training and received his Commission 1LT. He served as a supply officer for the 2d Infantry Replacement Regiment until the end of the war and discharged December 1918.
Post war he returned to Rutland and established a law practice from 1919-1921 and served as Rutland City Attorney and Rutland City Judge 1921-1925.
Active with the Republican Party and served on the Republican State Committee. He was chairman 1925-1929.
1919 joined the Vermont National Guards 172d Infantry Regiment, as a 2LT. He rose quickly through the ranks and in 1933 he was a Colonel as the 172ds Commander.
1933-35 Executive Assistant to Governor Stanley C. Wilson
1934-35 Post Commander, he also served as the American Legion Department of Vermont Judge Advocate.
He was instrumental at starting the Sons of The American Legion at Post #31, a squadron that his son Leonard JR. held as Commander 1939-40.
1937 Promoted to Brigadier General Commander of the 86th Infantry Brigade.
1939 Elected to the Norwich University Board of Trustees.
1942 was named the commander of the divisions 68th Field Artillery Brigade, then in 1943 he became commander of the 43rds Division Commander as Major General. He was the only National Guard Officer to command a combat division in WWII. He could have returned home after being diagnosed with heart disease...but he did not.
43rd Division named “Winged Victory” saw action at Guadalcanal, Rendova, New Georgia,New Guinea, Luzon, Manila and Philippines.
He received the US Presidential Unit Citation and the Philippine President Unit Citation.
As well as, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit and Bronze Star.
After he returned home at the end of 1945, he spent time in the hospital recovering from pneumonia. He took part in victory parades throughout New England in the cold winter months. He was elected President of the Vermont Bar Association.
His son Leonard Wing Jr. was a POW during WWII.He escaped and returned home and relays the story that President Eisenhower had called his father and asked if he would serve on the judicial board for the Japanese war criminals. He never had the opportunity to accept. He died of a heart attack December 19, 1945. When Wing returned to Vermont a hero, all he wanted was to return to his law practice and enjoy his home.
His funeral was that of a hero. The streets were lined with mourners, the town shut down for the parade of dignitaries from New England to Washington DC. His soldiers he commanded, Norwich cadets and officials, Legionnaires, politicians, lawyers, family and friends. All felt that they knew “Red” as their friend. He was a gentle giant amongst those that admired and loved him. Major General Wing left an incredible legacy.
