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Leonard Lyle DeVries, Jr.
Jody Hane2021-01-23T10:31:55-06:00
- Name: Leonard Lyle DeVries Jr.
- Location of Birth: Greenville, Mississippi
- Date of Birth: September 26, 1944
- Date of Death: December 4, 2001 (57 years old)
- Parents: Leonard DeVries, Sr. and ?
- High School and Class:
- College: University of Minnesota - degree in physics
University of West Florida - degree in industrial engineering
- Highest Rank: LCDR (Lieutenant Commander)
- Branch: Navy
- Other Branch:
- Date Sworn In:
- Place Sworn In:
- Date of Discharge:
- Place of Discharge:
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- Military Awards:
- Military Highlights:
Leonard served most of his life as a pilot, the first 27 years as a naval officer and aviator with HC-7 (Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven) Search and Rescue and as a flight instructor with expertise in basic training, fixed wing, and prop and jet aircraft. While serving in the Navy, he completed 400 combat missions and seven tours of duty in Vietnam.
- Wars Involved:
Vietnam Era
- MIA / POW:
- Civilian Life:
Leonard moved to Bigfork, Minnesota at a young age.
Leonard continued flying as an emergency medical helicopter pilot with Air Evac in Phoenix, Arizona for more than 10 years. He spent his remaining professional career as a database administrator with Eye Care Plan of America and Abpac.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Tess; two sons, Russ and Lee; a sister, Jan Pettus; and brothers, John and Jimmy.
Leonard died after a battle with cancer and is buried in the Bigfork Cemetery at Bigfork, Minnesota.
- Tribal Affiliation(s):
