<p>
<em>Bill Leppig</em> was born in Quantico, VA, on 29 Jul 1947, where his father was serving as an officer in the Marine Corps. Being born into the “Corps” was to shape his entire life. His father was a coach and member of the Marine Corps pistol team, which allowed for stability in Bill’s early years. There were annual trips to Camp Perry for the national matches of the team.</p>
<p>
LTC Leppig was later assigned as provost marshal to Opa Locka Naval Air Station in Miami, FL, a position from which he later retired. This assignment brought Bill to south Florida, which became his “home.”</p>
<p>
Bill never doubted that he wanted to follow his father into the Marine Corps, so he applied to both West Point and Annapolis.</p>
<p>
For Bill, West Point was a dream come true, a place for which he had prepared himself both mentally and physically. From the beginning, Bill attacked academics with a determination that was characteristic. Through sheer determination and brute force, he mastered every subject, although he was never a “natural” in any particular area.</p>
<p>
The same determination showed itself on the “fields of friendly strife” where every intramural team in B-2 wanted him if the sport called for either pure physical energy or determination.</p>
<p>
While excelling in academics and intramurals, he also found time to indulge himself in the arts, working on several theatrical productions, including some memorable “<em>Hundredth Night</em>” productions.</p>
<p>
Even though he always attempted to exemplify the things he thought were best about West Point while he was a cadet, he definitely had a lighter side and was known occasionally to bend the rules. During his First Class trip, Bill felt the need for a drink with his supper. Unfortunately, he was in the Fort Knox Officer’s Club and in uniform. Needless to say, his “Old Fashioned” did not go unnoticed, and Bill spent an enjoyable month in his room at the beginning of his First Class year. Bill accepted this as a proper reaction to his stupidity, saying simply, “It wasn’t meant to be easy” a catch-phrase for which he became famous throughout the Second Regiment.</p>
<p>
On branch selection night, Bill was in his glory, being able to stand before his classmates and yell “Marine Corps” when his name was called.</p>
<p>
Even though Vietnam was at its peak, the selection surprised no one. Bill reveled in having his head shaved that night by the B-2 plebes, since every good Marine was expected to have his head shaved.</p>
<p>
Following graduation, Bill went through Quantico like Sherman through Georgia, picking up his Ranger tab on the way. He selected field artillery as his branch specialty resulting in his rejoining the Army at Ft. Sill for Field Artillery training.</p>
<p>
Following the assignment at Ft. Sill, Bill was off to sunny California for his initial assignment with the 5th Marine Amphibious Brigade. Although Bill loved the Artillery, he discovered that he also loved to fly.</p>
<p>
Unfortunately, his eyesight would never allow him to become an aviator, so he took an assignment as a naval gunfire liaison officer in Vietnam, arriving in-country in 1971. His time with the 1st ANGLICO was pure heaven, with his days spent cruising the skies in an OV-IO.</p>
<p>
Bill excelled in every job he was given, and as is often the case, when an officer does well in the Marines, he is detailed to serve with the other branches. Although he went to Vietnam as a Marine, his entire time was spent serving in a Navy slot, serving with Navy personnel.</p>
<p>
Then, at the end of his tour, Bill was assigned to Ft. Sill as an instructor in the prestigious Gunnery Department. This assignment put Bill back in the stream with his Field Artillery classmates returning for their Advanced Course. Many of his old friendships with former classmates were renewed.</p>
<p>
For 3 years Bill was in his glory, teaching the art of fire on the target. The skies were calling, and while at Ft. Sill, Bill obtained his private pilot’s license, heeding their call.</p>
<p>
While Bill was soaring physically and in his career, he was also soaring in his personal life. He met Rebecca Wing, a licensed practical nurse working in the emergency room at Reynolds Army Hospital. Although love bloomed, Bill had trouble recognizing that a wife and the Marines could go together.</p>
<p>
In 1974, Bill was selected to attend Naval Weapons Officer training at Pensacola, FL. Bill was going back to aviation, and he blew through the academics and the flying, recording an overall average that was one of the top 5 of all time.</p>
<p>
While at Pensacola, Bill discovered that while “It wasn’t meant to be easy” it also wasn’t meant to be lonely. He came to his senses, flew back to Ft. Sill, and on 19 Jul 1975 married Rebbeca Wing at the old post chapel. Many of his classmates, family, and friends were in attendance.</p>
<p>
Upon his graduation, Bill was assigned to Cherry Point, NC, his first assignment with the Corps in more than 5 years. With his whole life before him, he moved his family into quarters and reported for duty on 14 Oct 1975. Although he was told to take some time to get his affairs in order, the sky was calling, so he scheduled a training flight the following morning.</p>
<p>
On 15 Oct 1975, Bill’s aircraft suffered a catastrophic engine failure on takeoff and crashed in the woods at the end of the runway.</p>
<p>
Bill is survived by his wife Rebecca Wing Leppig, step-son Michael B. Wing, step-daughter Teri-Louise Wing, parents COL (Ret.) and Mrs. George Leppig, and sister Laura Leppig Helmich.</p>
<p>
COL Sheridan (the Marine Corps liaison officer during Bill’s second and first class years and a close friend) was present when the accident report and list of victims was given to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Upon seeing Bill’s name on the list, he broke down, saying, “Look who we lost today”.</p>
<p>
Bill is buried at Ft. Sill, OK, where he spent some of his happiest times.</p>
<p>
He is still missed by his wife, his family, and friends, but as he would say, “It’s not meant to be easy”.</p>
<p>
</p>