William N. Leonard

William Nicholas Leonard (January 12, 1916 – August 21, 2005) was an American aviator, a flying ace of World War II, and a rear admiral in the United States Navy.

William N. Leonard
Lieutenant William Leonard during World War II
Born(1916-01-12)January 12, 1916
Douglas, Arizona
DiedAugust 21, 2005(2005-08-21) (aged 89)
Buried
Arlington National Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1938–1971
RankRear Admiral
Commands heldNaval Safety Center
USS Ranger
USS Salamonie
VF-171
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsNavy Cross (2)
Legion of Merit (4)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal (8)
RelationsCharles F. Leonard, Jr. (brother)

Leonard was born in Douglas, Arizona, the son of United States Army Colonel Charles F. Leonard and his wife Hannah M. Leonard.

Leonard graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1938 and was designated Naval Aviator #6953 in 1940. He fought in the Pacific battles of the Coral Sea, Midway and the Solomons. He won the Navy Cross at both Midway and the Coral Sea. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit (four times), the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (eight times) and a Bronze Star.

"In the words of Barrett Tillman, World War II aviation historian, [Leonard] is a 'national treasure' because he is so generous with his time and knowledge, records, and photos."[1]

After the war, he became a test pilot and commander, including of carrier groups. He retired in 1971 as a rear admiral.

Two of his brothers also became high-ranking officers: Army Major General Charles F. Leonard, Jr. and Army Air Forces Lieutenant Colonel John Wallis Leonard, who was killed in action in World War II. William Leonard, his father and two brothers are all interred in Arlington National Cemetery.[2]

References
  1. Rearden, Jim. Koga's Zero – the Fighter that Changed World War II. ISBN 0-929521-56-0, second edition. Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, Missoula Montana. 1995. p. iix
  2. Burial Detail: Leonard, William N (section 1, grave 304-C-1) – ANC Explorer
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