Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Leland
Alson
Larson
April 10, 1923

–

September 30, 1990

Born:

Whitemore

, 

Michigan

Home:

Whitemore

, 

Michigan

During World War II, Leland Larson became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. On May 8, 1945, he and his wingman pursued two German FW-190s in a low-level pursuit in which both enemy aircraft crashed into the trees without a shot fired. They may well have been the last German aircraft destroyed in combat in World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Leland Alson Larson (ASN: 0-824512), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-6 Fighter Pilot of the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance), in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.