Ramba uchiverenga ndima iyi - Leonard akapedza kudzidza paUnited States Naval Academy muna 1938 uye akagadzwa kuva Naval Aviator #6953 muna 1940. Akarwa muhondo dzePacific dzeCoral Sea
, Midway neSolomon Islands. Akakunda Muchinjikwa weNavy paMidway neCoral Sea. Akapiwawo Legion of Merit (kanokwana kana), Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal (kanokwana kasere) uye Bronze Star.