BRIGADIER GENERAL LEONARD D. WEDDINGTON

Leonard D. Weddington was born in Childress, Texas, in 1895. He completed ground school training at the School of Military Aeronautics, Princeton University, and completed flying training at Taliaferro Field, Texas. He was commissioned a second lieutenant, Air Service, June 27, 1918. He served at Post Field, Fort Sill, Okla.; Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio; Langley Field, Va.; and a tour of duty in the Hawaiian Islands, and Biggs Field, El Paso, Texas.

On June 22, 1926, he was assigned to command the 1st Photo Section stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. On July 11, 1927, he transferred to Brooks Field, Texas, for duty at the Instructor's School. On Oct. 15, 1927, he was assigned to March Field, Calif., for duty with the 54th School Squadron. While on duty at March Field he assumed command of the 23rd Photo Section. When the Primary Flying School at March Field, Calif., was transferred to Randolph Field, Texas, he proceeded to that field with the reorganization.

He graduated from Air Corps Tactical School in 1938. He returned to Hawaii and was assigned to Wheeler and Bellows Fields from March 1941 to March 1942. He was Acting Deputy Chief of Staff, then Chief of Staff Seventh Air Force Service Command, Central pacific Area, March 1942 to August 1944. He was Commander of the 6th Air Service Command from 1944 to 1945. He was promoted to brigadier general June 7, 1945. When he returned to the United States he was hospitalized, and retired in June 1946.

His ratings included Command Pilot, Combat Observer and Aircraft Observer.

Then Lieutenant Weddington participated in the Good Will Flight around South America, and shared with the other members of this flight in the award of the Mackay Trophy. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation in this flight (1926-1927). In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, he was awarded a Legion of Merit, Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

(Biography compiled with information from the Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers by R. Manning Ancell with Christine M. Miller.)