On the road

On the road

Monday, April 22, 2013

Profiles Spring Summer 2013 HFDFW


 

Leonard was drafted and entered the Army Air Forces on August 4, 1943 at the age of 19.

After basic training, Leonard was trained in the hazardous work of an aircraft armorer. The job included installation, maintenance, replacement and or removal of aircraft ordinance.

A few of the bases that Leonard was assigned to were Keesler AAF base in Mississippi, Tinker AAF base in Oklahoma, Kelly Field in Texas and Victorville AAF base in California.

One of Leonard’s most memorable war experiences was when he and two buddies were unwrapping and steam cleaning a (degreasing) new 20mm artillery shell when the steam hose burst. Leonard was caught by the blast of hot, scalding water and it sprayed on the left side of his face and body. After 2 weeks in the hospital, he asked the nurse if she could remove the bandages. He said that he was concerned that his shoulder and upper arm were rotting away as the stench was terrible. She agreed and removed the dressings and found that the stench was due to dead skin.

Leonard recovered and stayed in the AAF’s until he was discharged as a Corporal on March 5, 1946. He was awarded the American Campaign medal, Good Conduct medal and the WWII Victory medal.  

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