#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Richard Bliss Leith

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Richard Bliss Leith. Richard served during World War One from 1917-1919.

Richard was born and raised in Wardsboro, Vermont. He was born in 1889 and attended Riverview Military Academy in Poughkeepsie, New York. He graduated cum laude from Tuft’s Medical College.

During his service in the Medical Corps, Richard earned the rank of captain and was attached to the British Expeditionary Force. Richard arrived in France in October 1917, well ahead of most American combat forces. His location of service includes Salisbury Plain, England and France. His early letters home reflected his optimistic view that the war would be over by spring; even so, Richard told his brother he doesn’t think American troops would have to fight. After the 1918 November Armistice, Leith stayed in Europe treating refugees and victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic.

Richard moved to Florida in the 1920’s with his wife, Gladys, and their child, Shirley. He was a scholar and was interested in anthropology, archeology, and history. He took great pride in taking care of his patients and family. He continued to practice medicine in St. Petersburg, Florida and passed away in 1975.

We honor his service.

You can learn more about Richard’s story at the Veteran’s History Project.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Whitney Moore: Whitney is an undergraduate senior at Southern New Hampshire University studying Social Media Marketing.