Phillip Leckrone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phillip Howard Leckrone
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Leckrone in the cockpit of his Spitfire, September 1940
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| Nickname(s) | Uncle Sam, Zeke |
| Born | 1912 Salem, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | 5 January 1941 (aged 28) KIA over Lincolnshire |
| Buried |
Kirton-in-Lindsey Cemetery, Lincolnshire
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1941 |
| Rank | Pilot Officer |
| Service number | 84653 |
| Unit | No. 616 Squadron No. 71 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Pilot Officer Phillip Howard Leckrone (1912 – 5 January 1941) was a brave American pilot. He flew with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Battle of Britain in World War II. He was one of only 11 American pilots who fought in this important battle. The Battle of Britain took place between July and October 1940. His service earned him a special medal clasp for the 1939–1945 Star. Sadly, he died in a flying accident in January 1941.
Early Life
Phillip Leckrone grew up in Salem, Illinois, in the United States. His parents were William and Lottie Leckrone. He was married to Mackenzie A. Leckrone. Phillip was already an experienced pilot before the war. He even owned his own airplane!
World War II Service
In 1940, Phillip Leckrone traveled to Britain. He wanted to help fight in World War II. He joined the Royal Air Force. After training to fly the fast Supermarine Spitfire plane, he joined No. 616 Squadron. This was on August 2, 1940. He flew many missions over the English Channel. He often flew at the very back of the formation.
Later, on October 12, 1940, he moved to No. 71 Squadron. This squadron was special. It was the first of the 'Eagle Squadrons'. These squadrons were made up of American volunteer pilots. Phillip was given two nicknames by his fellow pilots: "Uncle Sam" and "Zeke".
Tragic Accident
On January 5, 1941, Phillip Leckrone was practicing flying in a group. This is called formation practice. During this practice, his plane accidentally hit another plane. The other pilot, Edwin Ezell Orbison, was able to fly back to base safely.
However, Leckrone's plane went into a tail-spin. It plunged towards the ground. Another pilot, Vernon Keogh, was flying nearby. He followed Leckrone's plane down. He shouted over the radio, "Bail out! Bail out!" But Leckrone did not reply. He also did not try to bail out of his plane. He died when his plane hit the ground. Phillip Leckrone was the first pilot from No. 71 Squadron to die.
He is buried in Kirton-in-Lindsey Cemetery in Lincolnshire, England.
See also
