Crossing the Bridge at Remagen began the final phase of Leland's life.

Leland Floyd Bias was born on December 10, 1924, in Santa Cruz to Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Bias. Leland and his brother, Harold, were raised in a home on Walnut Avenue and educated in local schools. Leland completed Mission Hill Junior High School and enrolled in Santa Cruz High School in the fall of 1940. During his high school years, he also worked part time with the Postal Telegraph Company.

In March 1943, Leland Bias left high school early to enlist in the US Army in Monterey, California. The Santa Cruz High School Service Cardinal noted "Private Bias was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he trained with the 75th Infantry Division. After ten months training, that division was sent to Louisiana for maneuvers and then to Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky."

Bias shipped overseas In September 1944 and was assigned to the 1st US Army (Big Red One), 9th Division, 60th Infantry Regiment. While he served with that unit, it was moving through France and preparing to invade Germany. In November and December 1944, the division moved north to Bergrath, Germany, and then launched an attack toward the Roer River.

On December 10 the 9th Division took the towns of Echtz and Schlich and on December 12 Leland received his first wounds.

In February 1945, following the Battle of the Bulge, Bias rejoined his unit as they were beginning their drive toward the Rhine River. On March 10, the Big Red One completed the crossing of the Rhine River at the famous Remagen Bridge. While setting up a bridgehead on the other side of the river, Private First Class Leland Bias was again wounded and on March 19, 1945, succumbed to those wounds.

After the war, his remains were returned home and buried at Santa Cruz Memorial Park.

(NARA2; SCHSC Pg. 5; SCSn April 3, 1945 1:4; WIKI, 9th Infantry Division)