Sherman M. Leamon is the November 2025 Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month. Pictured, from left, are Darryl McDowell, county veteran service officer; Bob Conley, county commissioner; Juliet Leamon, Sherman’s wife; Leamon; and Sue Ann Mitchell and Cary Groninger, county commissioners. Photo by David Slone, Times-Union.

By David Slone
Times-Union

WARSAW – A U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star for actions in combat is the November 2025 Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month.

Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell presented Sherman M. Leamon to the county commissioners Tuesday, Nov. 18, for the recognition.

Leamon was born in Kendallville to Lloyd and Catherine. He attended Cromwell High School. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army in August 1967. He was sent to Fort Campbell, Ky., to begin his Army career, starting with basic training. After completion, Leamon was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., for his Advanced Individual Training to become an engineer equipment maintainer.

From there, he was deployed to Long Binh, Vietnam, where he was assigned initially to the 1st Logistical Command. He was later assigned to the 228 Aviation Battalion, which was a component of the 1st Cavalry Division’s 11th Aviation Group. During his tour of duty with the 228 Aviation Battalion, he quickly became dual-hatted as a mechanic and then door gunner for helicopter missions, earning him the Air Medal and a Bronze Star Medal for actions in combat, McDowell said. After serving, Spc. Leamon was discharged in April 1970.

He returned to Kosciusko County and worked in various jobs in Syracuse and Cromwell, retiring in 2000. Shortly after returning from military duty, Leamon “was fortunate to meet Juliet and marry her in September 1973. She’s here with us, as well,” McDowell stated. They have three children: Chad, Laura and Eric; and one granddaughter.

Leamon has served his community by devoting time, effort and resources to the Cromwell Fire Department, Wawasee Lakeside Chapel and the American Legion.

After receiving his framed certificate, Leamon said, “I would like to thank Kosciusko County for this opportunity to be here and be a member of Kosciusko County’s veterans. I did a lot of work, and I still do work to help other veterans get disability, and just kind of help guide them through, just like Darryl does.”

He said he likes the military very well and his family had three boys, with two of them serving. His wife’s family had two Marines, one who served in Vietnam. He thanked the veterans and the county for their appreciation.