William L. Leverette

William Lawrence Leverette (September 5, 1913 – April 7, 2003) was a United States Air Force colonel. During World War II, he became a flying ace credited with 11 aerial victories, including seven in one day for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Early life and career William L. Leverette was born on September 5, 1913, in Palatka, Florida. He earned a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Clemson University in 1934, and later earned a master's degree in aeronautical engineering from Princeton University in 1948.

In 1939, Leverette joined the United States Army Air Corps. In 1940, he earned his flying wings. Leverette transferred to the new United States Army Air Forces and spent the next few years teaching aerial combat tactics.

While circling the convoy, one of the pilots spotted approximately 25 German Junkers Ju-87 Stuka dive-bombers approaching to commence another attack. Major Leverette dispatched three P-38s to maintain position over the convoy as he led the other three P-38s against the 25 Stukas.

The opponent was the II./StG 3. According to the german records, the Stuka unit has lost minimum 6 planes over the sea and one more crashlanded on Rhodos.

Major Leverette was the first of just two Army Airmen to shoot down seven enemy aircraft in a single combat mission. The other, William A. Shomo, claimed seven victories in 1945 and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Later war service Major Leverette's squadron returned to the Italian campaign, and he downed four more German planes, two Me-109s and two Me-110s. Finishing the war with 11 aerial victories, Leverette was one of the highest scoring American aces in the Mediterranean Theater. and the Order of Alexander Nevsky from the Soviet Union.

Post-war career and life Leverette stayed in the military after the war, transferring to the newly formed United States Air Force in 1947. Leverette also graduated from the Air War College, Class of 1957. He retired from the Air Force in 1965 with the rank of colonel.

William L. Leverette died on April 7, 2003, in Beaverton, Oregon. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in September.