Officer Leslie William Coffelt

Officer Leslie William Coffelt | White House Police Force, U.S. Government
White House Police Force, U.S. Government
Officer Leslie William Coffelt

White House Police Force, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, November 1, 1950

Add to My Heroes

Leslie William Coffelt

Officer Leslie Coffelt was shot and killed when two Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to shoot their way into Blair House, the temporary residence of President Harry S. Truman, in Washington, DC.

One of the suspects was shot and killed by Officer Coffelt, and the other was caught and sentenced to prison. The suspect who was arrested was pardoned in 1979 after serving 29 years and was deported to Puerto Rico, where he died in 1994.

Officer Coffelt was a WWII veteran and had served with the White House Police Force for 15 years. He had previously served with the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department from 1929 to 1936 and from 1941 to 1942. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour 15 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location District of Columbia
  • Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
  • Offender One killed; One Apprehended

terrorism

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 46 Reflections

Officer Coffelt, today marks the 74th year since your murder. It's an event that is both widely known and forgotten at the same time. You gave your life protecting one of the most important persons in our democracy and your life was taken for nothing. You are a true hero, those who murdered you, who's names I forget and don't care to remember, are worm food. Thank you for your efforts and years of service to our Country, you have not, nor will be forgotten.

God Bless you, Brother, and may you forever Rest in Peace.

Officer Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

November 1, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths