Paul Leonard was one of the 80 airmen who, under the leadership of Jimmy Doolittle, disembarked from the U.S.S. Hornet in the first bombing raid over Tokyo in World War II. Sergeant Leonard subsequently served in both England and North Africa until he was killed in action when his bomber was attacked in the air over Algeria on January 5, 1943.
Sponsored by:
Paul
John
Leonard
KIA (WWII)
Home:
Roswell
,
New Mexico
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Staff SergeantDivision:
Doolittle Tokyo Raider ForceAction Date:
April 18, 1942
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Staff Sergeant Paul John Leonard (ASN: 6248728), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as Engineer/Gunner of a B-25 Bomber of the 1st Special Aviation Project (Doolittle Raider Force), while participating in a highly destructive raid on the Japanese mainland on 18 April 1942. Sergeant Leonard with 79 other officers and enlisted men volunteered for this mission knowing full well that the chances of survival were extremely remote, and executed his part in it with great skill and daring. This achievement reflects high credit on himself and the military service.