William N. Leonard

Who was William N. Leonard?

William Nicholas Leonard was an American World War II flying ace and rear admiral in the United States Navy.

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

He 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 Coral Sea. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and a Bronze Star.

"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."

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.