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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Ms. Christine Leonardich

Peter Paul Leonardich was born in 1923 in Watsonville, California to immigrant parents from Yugoslavia. He began flying at age 16. He enlisted in the US Army as a senior in high school at the outset of World War II and was assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort where he supervised the pharmacy. During his three years in combat, Pete participated in five campaigns and was awarded Silver Star and Bronze Stars for service in the Central Pacific, New Guinea, Luzon, Ryukyus, Philippines, and Okinawa. While in Okinawa, the fully loaded USNS Comfort was struck by a kamikaze plane completely destroying the surgical operations and killing most of the medical staff. Pete then took his Army flight training in the open cockpit Fairchild PT-19 Aeronca Champ and the AT-6 advanced trainer. He completed his 3-year tour of duty as a reconnaissance pilot over northern Luzon.
Flying and related activities have remained a focus of Pete's life since the war. He has flown numerous types of aircraft and participated in air shows from coast to coast. Being proud of his country and his participation in WWII, he works to bring the Blue Angles and various other military aircraft to the Salinas International Air Show every year.
Pete served as a Salinas Airport Commissioner, past President and member of the Salinas Owner & Pilot Association (SOPA), Vice President of Government and Community Relations Officer of the Air Force Association, Monterey Bay Area Chapter #122, and as a member of the Salinas International Air Show Committee. His personal project of establishing a national military cemetery at the former Fort Ord in Monterey continues.
Second only to his wife, children and grandchildren, Pete's love of his country, respect for those who participated in the armed forces, and flying remain the focus of his life.