My friend Art Leach turns a hundred on May 1. A retired banker, he is one of the last surviving carrier pilots of World War II. He flew Hellcat fighters off the Yorktown in the Pacific. His matter of fact stories to me about the many ways pilots could die in those days that did not involve enemy action have long fascinated me. The term hero is overused, but Art, although he would laugh at the term being applied to him, is one. If you would like to send him a card, his address is 308 East Elk Street, Odell, Il. 60460.
The above was written in 2020. Art has passed away today, September 10, 2026 at age 106:
The last living fighter pilot and officer stationed on USS Yorktown (CV-10) during World War II, Lt. Arthur “Art” Leach, has passed away at 106.
Art Leach was born in Morris, IL on May 1, 1920. In 1942, he graduated from Wesleyan University and days later was in a Navy uniform. Art would receive his wings as a Navy pilot in 1943 and was assigned to USS Yorktown (CV-10). Returning home in 1945, Art remained in the ready reserve, and was officially discharged in 1956 after 14 years of service, and received 2 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.
After his military career, Art would go on to become a banker and businessman and become an active part of the Yorktown community. As a regular attendee of the USS Yorktown Reunion’s, Art would speak extensively about his experiences in the war and time living on the Yorktown.
From the Archives: Art Leach photographed sitting in the cockpit of an F9F Cougar.
Go here to read the rest. I would note that Art and I talked many times about his war time experiences, Art emphasizing humorous aspects. He never said a word to me about the medals he earned in combat. Rest in peace Art, and may you be flying in formation with the angels.
I like heroes, patriots and statesmen.
” I never saw it as a person. I saw it as a plane.” Unfortunately, the opponent did not see himself as a sovereign person either. I am sending prayers and a card.
<3
Hmmm, Mary, what, specifically, do you mean?
Thank you, Art Leach, warrior, hero, fellow Naval Aviator.
“Matter of fact” stories.
When everyone around you is involved in an heroic effort, your own role may not seem unusual.
Yeah. Most of Art’s stories center on what other pilots in his unit did, especially the guys who never came home.
As a Canadian Forces officer I wore air force blue. Naval aviators, flying off flap tops, are a particularly brave bunch. Guts galore. To To Art Leach I say, bravo zulu.
Blue side up.
John the Mad, Major (Ret’d)
“Hmmm, Mary, what, specifically, do you mean?”
Man is created in sovereign personhood in the image and likeness of The Supreme Sovereign Being, God. Spiritual maturity inspires appreciation and acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty and the sovereignty of every individual human being. Individuals who go to war, killing for the appropriation of land or power lose their destiny in heaven and on earth. War mongers literally do not know who they are. They are LOSERS.
Rest in peace, Art. Bravo Zulu for your service.
-Wife of a carrier and test pilot.