07/14/2026
This week’s Grave of the Week is another request. Woodrow Leland was born August 13, 1914, in Morrilton, Arkansas. He was raised by sharecroppers.
In World War II, he rose in ranks from Private, to Sgt Commander, Platoon Leader, to Platoon Sargeant. As a Platoon Sargeant, he oversaw a 31-man antitank platoon in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations. He was responsible for selection of gun placements for 37-millimeter antitank guns; and for supervising activities of three 10-men crews. When deployed in battle, he gave firing orders to squad leaders from information obtained from signals given by forward observers. He inspected guns, equipment, and ammunition. Woodrow was responsible for the conduct of three squads while in combat.
As a Platoon Leader, he was in charge of three tank squads. He led training activities and instructed men in their duties. He deployed tanks, directed firing, and inspected guns and weapons for proper operation.
His group helped to liberate the Philippines and was part of the first occupying forces in Tokyo.
After the war, Woodrow went to work for Peter Kiewit Construction. He was a cement finisher crew leader. His projects included work at UCLA and the 210, 10, and 101 freeways.
Woodrow married wife Florence on June 16, 1956, in Nevada and had one stepson, Victor, He was survived by his younger brothers, Ernest, Ralph and Robert. He passed away November 29, 1978, and is buried in Exeter.
Thank you to Rick Leland for sharing Woodrow’s life for Grave of the Week.
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Please continue to like, share, and follow the Exeter Public Cemetery District and thank you to Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter Kiwanis, Kiwanis of Woodlake, Kiwanis Club Of Farmersville, CACHE - The Center for Art, Culture, and History - Exeter, The Sun-Gazette Newspaper for sharing.
