Captain Royal Leonard (April 3, 1905 – June 21, 1962), was a Texan pilot who previously flew for TWA between 1935 and 1941. He was first the personal pilot of Zhang Xueliang, and then that of Chiang Kai-shek.[1][2] He was born on April 3, 1905, in Wisconsin.
Royal Leonard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | April 3, 1905 |
| Died | June 21, 1962 (aged 57) |
| Resting place | California |
| Spouse | Maxine (d. 1990) |
| Children | Royal S. Leonard (1945 - present) |
In 1935 Leonard was first to fly the new Gee Bee Q.E.D. in the Bendix Race. However, Leonard was forced to land in Wichita, Kansas, due to engine troubles.
In 1942, he published an autobiography called I Flew for China.[3]
He died on June 21, 1962, in Los Angeles, California, at age 57.
Legacy
editIn 2011, Barry S. Martin published a book titled Forgotten Aviator: The Adventures of Royal Leonard.
References
edit- ^ F. Tillman Durdin (December 8, 1937). "Chinese Make Stand". New York Times.
The departure of Chiang Kai-shek with his aides was at the break yesterday in his private plane, operated by Royal Leonard and Co-Pilot Arnold Wier, both Americans. ...
- ^ Thomas Trumble (1980). World War II Biography.
- ^ Royal Leonard (1942). I flew for China. Doubleday, Dorban And Company.
External links
editOUT OF WAR-TORN SKIES, A LEGENDARY PILOT IS BORN
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