Downtown in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
In Honor of Leslie Coffelt
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 20, 2018
1. In Honor of Leslie Coffelt Marker
New plaque observed, wording identical to older plaque.
who gave his life in defense of
the President of the United States
here at the Blair House, November 1, 1950
"For loyalty, bravery and heroism
beyond the call of duty."
Presented by National Sojourners
in commemoration of his sacrifice.
Dedicated May 21, 1952, by President Harry S Truman
Erected 1952 by National Sojourners.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 1, 1950.
Location. 38° 53.934′ N, 77° 2.315′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest and Jackson Place Northwest, on the right when traveling west on Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest. Located in front of the Blair-Lee House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1653 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Francis Preston Blair (here, next to this marker); The Blair House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Blair House (here, next to
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The Blair House. Website homepage:
The Blair House is the official state guest house of the U.S. President. (Submitted on December 8, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Assassination Attempt on President Truman. Wikipedia entry:
On November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican activists attempted to assassinate President Truman, who was staying at the Blair House during White House renovations. (Submitted on December 8, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional keywords. Law enforcement officer; killed in action; Freemason.
via Wikipedia, unknown
2. Leslie William "Les" Coffelt: White House policeman, U.S. Secret Service
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 4, 2007
3. In Honor of Leslie Coffelt Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 4, 2007
4. Several Markers in front of the Blair-Lee House
Photographed By Craig Swain, August 4, 2007
5. The Blair-Lee House
Coffelt was manning a guard booth in front of the steps to the right at the time of the assassination attempt. Though mortally wounded, Coffelt would manage to return fire during the gunfight that ensued, and kill one of the attackers.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,528 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on May 21, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on January 20, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on March 17, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 8, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
