Leon L. Van Autreve

Leon L. Van Autreve (January 29, 1920 – March 14, 2002) was a United States Army soldier who served as the fourth Sergeant Major of the Army. He was sworn in on 1 July 1973, and served until June 1975.

Early life and education Van Autreve was born in Eeklo, Belgium, on 29 January 1920. His family moved to the United States while he was a child settled in Delphos, Ohio.

He also worked to decrease the number of military specializations (MOS) in the army, so that each one would be broader and encompass more expertise. He also led the creation of the Enlisted Personnel Management System (EPMS) to help focus career guidance for enlisted soldiers. He retired on 30 June 1975.

Later life and legacy In 1994, the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club designated Fort Sam Houston, Texas, as the SMA Van Autreve Chapter.

Van Autreve died on 14 March 2002, in San Antonio, Texas and was buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations