World War II Honoree

Leonard Jackson O'Dell

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Charleston, West Virginia

Honored By

Frederick E. White Cmsgt USAF (Ret)

Relationship

Friend

ENTERED THE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE IN 1943 AND WAS IN THE AVIATION CADET PROGRAM. AFTER GRADUATING HE ATTENDED FOUR MORE FLIGHT SCHOOLS. HE TRAINED IN THE P-40 AND P-51 AIRCRAFT WHICH HE FLEW IN THE CHINESE THEATER OF OPERATIONS. THERE HE SERVED WITH THE FAMED FLYING TIGERS. WHILE PARTICIPATING IN COMBAT HE WAS SHOT DOWN AND MADE IT BACK TO BASE SAFELY. HE EARNED MANY AWARDS AND DECORATIONS.