Member of the 121 Eagle Squadron. Of Sumter, South Carolina. From American Air Museum Britain: Leon Blanding joined the RCAF and began flying as a sergeant pilot with No. 121 'Eagle' Squadron, and he rose to the rank of Major over the course of two tours with the 4th fighter Group. His time in the frontline came to an abrupt end when he suffered a fractured skull after his Mustang was hit by flak during the 8 August 1944 mission to Norway. Blanding was by then assigned to the 4th Fighter Group Headquarters flight, having previously been CO of the 335th Fighter Squadron. Awards: DFC, AM, PH, WWII Victory, EAME. Post war: Retired from the USAF as a Lieutenant Colonel, post war Owner/Operator Blanding Iron Works Sumter, SC.