Fairfax Station, VA/WWPress/ – Colonel Joel L. Leson, US Army/SES DoD, retired, was Recognized and Distinguished as a Top Professional of North America 2026-2027 by The Who’s Who Directories.
Colonel Joel L. Leson dedicated over four decades of distinguished service to the United States, both in military and civilian capacities. His career spanned 26 years as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Colonel, followed by 14 years as a senior executive in the Department of Defense (DOD). His legacy is marked by leadership, innovation, and a commitment to national security and public service.
Education and Professional Development
Mr. Leson holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Business Administration from Temple University and a Master of Science in Forensic Science from The George Washington University. His academic pursuits were complemented by prestigious professional training, including:
- Graduation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy (88th Session)
- Completion of the Federal Executive Institute
- Certification from the U.S. Secret Service Protective Operations Course
His military education was equally comprehensive, encompassing:
- Armor Officer Basic Course
- Military Police Officer Advanced Course
- Army Command and General Staff College
- A Research Fellowship at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
- Battalion and Brigade Pre-Command Courses
Colonel Leson also spent his Senior Service College year as a Research Fellow in National Security at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He later graduated from Harvard’s Program for Senior Officials in National Security, further solidifying his expertise in defense and security policy.
Military Career
Colonel Leson’s military career was marked by a series of high-profile leadership roles and critical assignments. He commanded both Armor and Military Police companies in the 2nd Armored Division, “Hell on Wheels,” at Fort Hood, Texas. His service included a combat tour as an Infantry Adviser to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam in the Mekong Delta from August 1967 to September 1968.
A pioneer in military forensic science, Colonel Leson commanded the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory, providing forensic support to DOD criminal investigative organizations worldwide. In 1971, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC), serving as a charter member and contributing to its foundational policies.
Key assignments during his military tenure included:
- Provost Marshal, 3rd Armored Division, “Spearhead,” Frankfurt, Germany
- Commander, Frankfurt District, USACIDC
- Commander, Second Region (Europe), USACIDC, Heidelberg, Germany, overseeing 50 resident agencies across West Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy
Colonel Leson was directly involved in several landmark cases, including:
- The Jeffrey MacDonald murder case (1970), during his command of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory
- The capture of the Baader-Meinhof Gang terrorists in West Germany during the mid-1980s
- Serving as the U.S. incident commander for the investigation of the LaBelle Disco Bombing in West Berlin (April 1986)
- Leading the U.S. Army’s efforts in the joint investigation of the Pan Am Flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, in collaboration with German and Scottish authorities (1988–1989)
In addition to his criminal investigation expertise, Colonel Leson excelled in Force Development, holding key positions such as:
- Chief, Total Army Analysis Branch, Headquarters, Department of the Army (The Pentagon)
- Deputy Chief, Force Management Directorate, HQ, U.S. Army Europe
- Commander, U.S. Army Force Integration Support Agency, HQDA
Civilian Career
After retiring from active duty in 1991, Mr. Leson transitioned to civilian service as a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service. He served as a supervisory criminal investigator with the DOD Office of the Inspector General (OIG), holding roles such as:
- Assistant Inspector General for Criminal Investigative Policy and Oversight
- Director, Administration and Information Management
During his tenure, he provided strategic oversight and policy guidance for criminal investigations across the DOD. After 40 years of combined military and civilian service, Mr. Leson retired from federal service on June 30, 2005.
In July 2005, he became the Director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Center for Police Leadership, where he also served as Staff Liaison to the IACP Homeland Security Committee. He fully retired in November 2007.
Awards and Honors
Colonel Leson’s exemplary service earned him numerous military and civilian awards, including:
- Combat Infantryman’s Badge
- Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters
- Bronze Star Medal
- Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
- Air Medal for Valor with four oak leaf clusters
- Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
- Army Achievement Medal
- Army Parachutist Badge
- Aircraft Crew Badge
- General Staff Badge
- DOD Inspector General’s Distinguished Service Award
In recognition of his contributions to military law enforcement and forensic science, Mr. Leson was inducted into the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Hall of Fame in 2004. He was later inducted into the U.S. Army Military Police Corps Hall of Fame at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on September 26, 2019.
Legacy
Colonel Joel L. Leson’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to service, leadership, and innovation. From commanding troops in combat to shaping the future of military criminal investigations, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, and the broader law enforcement community. His legacy continues to inspire those who serve in defense of the nation.
The Who’s Who Directories, a New York based biographical publication company, Publisher of The Top Professionals of North America distinguishes and profiles leading professionals who demonstrate recognizable success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of individual accomplishments and achievement within the North American community.
