This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Carson, Leonard Kyle, Sr., Col USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Ayrshire, Iowa
Last Address Westwood, California
Date of Passing Mar 08, 1994
Location of Interment Chester Cemetery - Chester, California
He was a triple ace in WWII as he was credited with destroying 18.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat.
Synopses of his Silver Star citations: Awarded for actions during World War II SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Leonard Kyle Carson (ASN: 0-742962), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 362d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 28 (1945)
SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Leonard Kyle Carson (ASN: 0-742962), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot of the 362d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Bell P-39M Airacobra Length 30.15 ft | 9.19 m Width 33.99 ft | 10.36 m Height 11.84 ft | 3.61 m Engine(s) 1 x Allison V-1710-83 water-cooled engine generating 1,200hp. Empty Weight 5,611 lbs | 2,545 kg MTOW 8,400 lbs | 3,810 kg Max Speed 386 mph | 621 km/h | 335 kts Max Range 650 miles | 1,046 km Ceiling 35,991 ft | 10,970 m | 6.8 miles Climb Rate 3,333 ft/min (1,015.9 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 1 x 37mm cannon mounted in the nose 2 x 12.7mm machine guns 4 x 7.62mm machine guns
Up to 500lbs of external ordnance as needed. Accommodations 1
