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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. William J. Bradford

Leonard J. Schaitel joined the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1942 at the age of 27. Following his graduation from flight school in 1943, he was sent to England to join the 490th Wing, 3rd Air Division, 8th Air Force. During WWII he flew 35 combat missions over Germany in the B-17. His decorations include multiple Air Medals for aerial heroism. During one mission he was required to make an emergency landing in Belgium and on another returned for the mission with his aircraft struck by over 200 rounds of enemy flak. He also participated in the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force at Randolph Field in San Antonio.
Lt. Col. Schaitel passed away in 2001 and is survived by his wife Jane. He is dearly missed and true hero of aviation.