Mezue ahịrịokwu na-esonụ: Leonard gụsịrị akwụkwọ na United States Naval Academy na 1938 ma bụrụ onye a họpụtara Naval Aviator #6953 na 1940. Ọ lụrụ ọgụ n'agha ndị a lụrụ na Pacific
Oké Osimiri Coral, Midway na Solomon Islands. O ritere ihe nrite Navy Cross ma na Midway ma na Coral Sea. E nyekwara ya Legion of Merit (ugboro anọ), Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal (ugboro asatọ) na Bronze Star.