He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in World War II and three Silver Stars in Vietnam.

During World War II, in July 1944 and 1945, Leach (then a captain) served in combat under Lieutenant Colonel Creighton Abrams (Abrams tank) who commanded the 37th Tank Battalion[1] of the 4th Armored Division, which beginning on August 1, 1944, joined and spearheaded for General George Patton and his Third Army.

[4] Col. Leach received the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism at Bigonville, Luxembourg on December 24, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge,[5] and earned five Purple Hearts for wounds in the European campaigns.

Other honors include: Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame, Ft. Benning, GA; First recipient of the Gold Medal of the Order of St. George, US Armor Association in 1986;[6] Professor of Military History, Ft. Knox, Kentucky; President of Military Officers of America Association; and President of the Veterans Cemetery Committee of Beaufort (VCCOB).

Leach at 22: "The placid, modest, friendly exterior of this Officer disguises the fighting heart of a lion and the tenaciousness of a bulldog, all seasoned with an engaging personality.