Leeds unveils massive new mural honoring Medal of Honor heroes

Earlier this month, just In time for America’s 250th birthday, the City of Leeds dedicated a stunning new mural in its historic downtown district, 

Located at the corner of 8th and Parkway Drive, the mural is a project of Leeds Main Street, an organization dedicated to bringing businesses, people, and dollars back to Leeds.

Mural: Leeds Medal of Honor recipients

The massive 25 feet tall and 50 feet long mural was painted by Outer Limits Arts & Media, featuring three Leeds Medal of Honor recipients.

They are left to right in the photo:

• Alford Lee McLaughlin, a United States Marine Corps master sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War.
• William Robert Lawley Jr. was a pilot in the Air Force who received the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of his crew during World War II.
• Henry “Red” Erwin, a radio operator in the Army Air Forces during World War II, received the Medal of Honor for saving his plane and crew from a burning phosphorus smoke bomb.

“Leeds has had a longstanding tradition of honoring our veterans in many ways. We are grateful for their service and are thankful we are able to pay tribute to our Medal of Honor recipients in this way.”

Buddy Jones, Executive Director, Leeds Main Street

Funding for the mural came from the Alabama State Council of the Arts.

Leeds called City of Valor

A town with deep military roots, Leeds nickname is the City of Valor. 

In addition to the new mural downtown, Leeds also installed on Memorial Day weekend a 135 foot flagpole at Memorial Park.