View source for LELAND S. MCDANIEL, JR., LT, USN

{{KeyDates|DoB=May 3, 1918|DoD=October 25, 1944|Age=26|name_class=Leland McDaniel, Jr. '41}}

{{LuckyBag|LBLink=https://archive.org/details/luckyba1941unse|class=1941
|picture=1941 McDaniel LB.jpg
|LBName=LELAND S. McDANIEL, JR.
|LBHometown=Sacramento, California
|LBText=Perhaps the friendly smile and ruddy complexion are due to the land of sunshine from whence he hails, but "Mac" certainly is a picture of truly abundant good health. Numbered among our accomplished gadgeteers, "Stan" keeps the wherewithal to pursue his many and varied hobbies stored in his copious strong box. Able to fix anything for anyone, "Mac" is a worthy substitute for the Master-at-arms. In addition to an infectious, good-natured grin, and a desire to help, "Mac" is one of the few true optimists that are always willing to drag blind, although he claims to have found "the one." Good books and music seem to be Leland's only vices but to them he devotes almost every spare moment. Three years devotion to the "Hell Cats" has given "Mac" contact with the music he loves, and his storehouse of knowledge includes Bach to Strauss. He is extremely self-sufficient; time is never idle on his hands. Constantly busy either managing swimming or engaged in his numerous hobbies, "Mac" leads a full life.
|LBECAs=''Boat Club 4, 3, 2, 1; D and B Corps 4, 3, 2, 1; Swimming Manager 3, 2, 1; Radio Club 4, 3, 2, 1; Ring Committee.''
|LBOther=The Class of 1941 was the first of the wartime-accelerated classes, graduating in February 1941.}}

== Loss ==
Leland was lost when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hoel_(DD-533) USS Hoel (DD 533)] was sunk by Japanese surface forces on October 25, 1944 in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_off_Samar Battle off Samar.] He was Executive Officer; the ship earned the Presidential Unit Citation for her heroic stand against a vastly superior enemy force.

== Other Information ==
His wife was [http://www.naval-history.net/WW2UScasaaDB-USNbyNameM.htm listed as] next of kin. He was also [https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56756679 survived] by his parents.

== Photographs ==
<gallery mode=packed heights=350px style="text-align:left">
File:1941 Swim Leadership.jpg|From the Lucky Bag's page on the swim team
</gallery>

== Silver Star ==
From [http://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient.php?recipientid=309896 Hall of Valor]:
<blockquote>
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Leland S. McDaniel, Jr. (NSN: 0-100415), United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. HOEL (DD-533), off Samar, on 25 October 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)<br/>
Action Date: October 25, 1944<br/>
Service: Navy<br/>
Company: Executive Officer<br/>
Division: U.S.S. Hoel (DD-533)
</blockquote>

{{NDexplainer}}
{{ND|date=April 1941|rank=Ensign|command=USS Preston
|others={{NDcolumns|columns=3|column1=[[JUAN B. PESANTE, LT, USN|LTjg Juan Pesante '34]]
|column2=[[WILLIAM A. SISSONS, LCDR, USN|ENS William Sissons '38]]}}}}

{{ClassNav|PAGE_ID={{PAGEID}}|Name=Leland|ClassYear=1941|PreviousPersonLink=ALVIN D. BLACKMAN, LT, USN|PreviousPersonName=Alvin Blackman '41|NextPersonLink=THEODORE T. WALKER, LT, USN|NextPersonName=Theodore Walker '41}}

[[Category:1941|McDaniel]]
[[Category:USNA 4th Company|McDaniel]]
[[Category:US Navy|McDaniel]]
[[Category:KIA|McDaniel]]
[[Category:WWII|McDaniel]]
[[Category:Pacific|McDaniel]]
[[Category:Battle of Leyte Gulf|McDaniel]]
[[Category:Battle off Samar|McDaniel]]
[[Category:Ship|McDaniel]]
[[Category:USS Hoel (DD 533)|McDaniel]]
[[Category:Silver Star|McDaniel]]
{{KIA|panel=LELAND STANFORD McDANIEL, JR.}}