Leonard, William Nicholas

Mitsubishi A6M

Date of birth:: January 12th, 1916
Date of death:: August 21st, 2005
Nationality:: American

Biography

William N. Leonard graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1938. After his graduation he served on the USS Honolulu (CL-48) and the USS Arkansas (BB-33). In June 1940 he went to the Aviation school in Pensacola and he was assigned as pilot in January 1941 with Naval Aviator Nr 6953. His first assignment as pilot was with VS-41 on board the USS Ranger (CV-4) flying the Vought SBU-1. VS-41 was redesignated to VF-41 and trained on the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat. At first the unit was placed on the USS Ranger and USS Wasp (CV-7).
From June 1941 and through the Battle of Midway, he was assigned to VF-42 and VF-3 on the USS Yorktown (CV-5).
During the Solomons Campaign he was assigned to VF-11 on Guadalcanal.

He scored a total of 6 victories of which were 2 Mitsubishi F1M2 "Pete", 2 Nakajima B6N2 "Jill" and 2 Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” planes, flying about 170 combat missions.

After a period as Fighter Training Officer with ComFleerAirWest, he was assigned as Assistant Operations Officer with 2nd Fast Carrier Task Force (Task Force 38) between October 1944 and November 1945.
He was highly decorated and besides his personal decorations he was entitled to wear the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation with star for second award and after World War Two received the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp.

After the war he flew very many Aircraft types and qualified for jets in January 1946. In 1948 he commanded VF-171 which was to become the navy’s first jet squadron. After this he served in many different commands.
In July 1971 he retired with the rank of Rear Admiral. William N. Leonard died on August 21st 2005.

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant (j.g.)
Unit:: Executive Officer VF-3

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while pilot of an airplane of a Fighting Squadron in action against Japanese forces on May 4 and 8, 1942. On May 4, while leader of a four plane division engaged in protecting our own forces attacking Tulagi Harbor, he led his division in four successive strafing attacks against an enemy destroyer and, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, succeeded in inflicting serious damage on the enemy vessel. On the same occasion he led his section in a determined attack against three enemy seaplane fighters, destroying two of them and assisting in the destruction of the third. On May 8, while leader of the fighter escort for our own torpedo planes in an attack against an enemy carrier in the Coral Sea, he aggressively engaged the enemy fighter opposition, skillfully assisting in the destruction of two of the enemy planes. None of our torpedo planes were damaged during this attack which resulted in the sinking or severe damaging of the carrier. While returning from this mission he encountered an enemy torpedo plane returning to its carrier. He led his section in an attack against this plane and assisted in the prompt destruction of the enemy aircraft. Throughout these engagements he displayed outstanding leadership, aggressiveness and judgment. His conduct was always unusually courageous and with complete disregard for his own personal safety."

Awarded by Admiral Nimitz in June 1942.

Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant (j.g.)
Unit:: VF-11 / Maui NAS
Awarded on:: December 19th, 1942

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while piloting an airplane of Fighting Squadron THREE. During the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942, Lieutenant (jg) Leonard was launched from his carrier to intercept an incoming attack by Japanese torpedo planes. He had been in the air only a few seconds when the enemy planes started their runs prior to dropping their torpedoes. With great skill, courage and determination, and despite the heavy anti-aircraft fire from his own ships, he pressed home repeated attacks against the enemy planes shooting down one and damaging another. His courage, determination and utter disregard for personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service."

Second decoration received as a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Navy Cross.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Citation:
“For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander SECOND Carrier Task Force, Pacific during operations against enemy Japanese forces from April 10 to September 2, 1945- Assuming complete responsibility for aircraft replacement, Commander (then Lieutenant Commander) Leonard maintained maximum air power against the enemy and through his knowledge of tactics, unfailing judgment in making immediate decisions in combat situations and his ability to produce correct solutions to operating problems under his ability and stress of battle conditions, he contributed materially to the defeat and surrender of Japan. As Air-Sea Rescue Officer, he directed the recovery of pilots with maximum effectiveness. His courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Commander Leonard is authorized to wear the Combat ‘V’.”

Receives with combat "V" for valor.