Leonard R. Willette facts for kids

Second Lieutenant Leonard Robert Willette (1921 – September 22, 1944) was a brave World War II pilot. He was one of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American military pilots who fought during the war. Leonard Willette was a fighter pilot who died while flying over Germany, protecting American bomber planes.

Early Life and Education

Leonard Willette was born in Belleville, New Jersey. He was one of six children in his family. He went to Belleville High School and graduated in 1939. While there, he was a member of the school's track team.

After high school, Leonard attended New York University. He was even offered a chance to go to the United States Military Academy at West Point, a very important military school. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he decided to join the Army Air Corps right away to help his country.

Military Service and Sacrifice

Leonard Willette became a qualified pilot in February 1944, which meant he "earned his wings." On September 22, 1944, he was flying a fast P-51 Mustang plane. His job was to protect a group of large B-17 bombers on a mission to Munich, Germany.

During this mission, his plane had a problem with its oil pressure and crashed. Leonard Willette was one of 66 Tuskegee Airmen who died fighting in World War II. His body was later found and buried in a cemetery in Rechtmehring, Germany.

Remembering His Legacy

Leonard Willette is remembered as a hero. On February 24, 2018, his hometown of Belleville, New Jersey, honored him by renaming a street after him. This helps keep his memory alive for future generations.