James Leroy Bondsteel (July 18, 1947 – April 9, 1987) was an American soldier of the United States Army who served during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Medal of Honor.

Bondsteel died on the Knik River bridge (later named in his honor) of the Glenn Highway in 1987 when a trailer full of logs came unhooked from the transport which was pulling it and slammed into the front of his AMC Spirit.

Company A was directed to assist a friendly unit which was endangered by intense fire from a North Vietnamese Battalion located in a heavily fortified base camp.

SSG James Bondsteel quickly organized the men of his platoon into effective combat teams and spearheaded the attack by destroying 4 enemy occupied bunkers.

While searching one of these emplacements SSG James Bondsteel narrowly escaped death when an enemy soldier detonated a grenade at close range.

His exemplary leadership and great personal courage throughout the 4-hour battle ensured the success of his own and nearby units, and resulted in the saving of numerous lives of his fellow soldiers.

His extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life was in the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit, and the U.S.