William N. Leonard
Encyclopedia
William Nicholas Leonard (January 12, 1916 - August 21, 2005) was an American World War II
Flying ace
and later a Rear admiral
in the United States Navy
.
"In the words of Barrett Tillman
, WWII aviation historian, [Leonard] is a 'national treasure' because he is so generous with his time and knowledge, records, and photos."
He fought in the Pacific battles of the Coral Sea
, Midway
and the Solomons. He won the Navy Cross
at both Midway and Coral Sea.
As well as the Navy Crosses, he was awarded the Legion of Merit
(4 times), the Distinguished Flying Cross
, the Air Medal
(8 times) and a Bronze Star.
After the war he became a test pilot and commander, including of carrier groups. He retired in 1971 as a rear admiral.
William Leonard's brother, Charles Leonard
, was an Olympic penathlete and Major General during the Vietnam War. They were buried together in Arlington Cemetery.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
Flying ace
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
and later a Rear admiral
Rear Admiral
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
.
"In the words of Barrett Tillman
Barrett Tillman
Barrett Tillman is an American author who specializes in naval and aviation topics in addition to fiction and technical writing.Tillman's most influential book to date is On Yankee Station , written with the late John B. Nichols...
, WWII aviation historian, [Leonard] is a 'national treasure' because he is so generous with his time and knowledge, records, and photos."
He fought in the Pacific battles of the Coral Sea
Battle of the Coral Sea
The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought from 4–8 May 1942, was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the United States and Australia. The battle was the first fleet action in which aircraft carriers engaged...
, Midway
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, approximately one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea and six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy decisively defeated...
and the Solomons. He won the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
at both Midway and Coral Sea.
As well as the Navy Crosses, he was awarded the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(4 times), the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
, the Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
(8 times) and a Bronze Star.
After the war he became a test pilot and commander, including of carrier groups. He retired in 1971 as a rear admiral.
William Leonard's brother, Charles Leonard
Charles Leonard
Charles Frederick Leonard Jr. was an American pentathlete and Major General during the Vietnam War.Leonard won the silver medal in the 1936 Olympic Pentathlon....
, was an Olympic penathlete and Major General during the Vietnam War. They were buried together in Arlington Cemetery.