Royal Leonard

Captain Royal Leonard (April 3, 1905 – June 21, 1962), was a Texan pilot who previously flew for TWA between 1935–1941. He was first the personal pilot of Chang Hsueh-Liang, and then that of Chiang Kai-shek.[1][2] He was born on April 3, 1905 in Wisconsin.

Royal Leonard
Born(1905-04-03)April 3, 1905
Wisconsin
DiedJune 21, 1962(1962-06-21) (aged 57)
Los Angeles, California
Resting placeCalifornia
Spouse(s)Maxine (d. 1990)
ChildrenRoyal 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

In 2011, Barry S. Martin published a book titled Forgotten Aviator: The Adventures of Royal Leonard.

References
  1. 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. ...
  2. Thomas Trumble (1980). World War II Biography.
  3. Royal Leonard (1942). I flew for China.

OUT OF WAR-TORN SKIES, A LEGENDARY PILOT IS BORN


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