Leonard Wilfong

Obituary of Leonard Law Wilfong

Leonard Law Wilfong a long-time resident of Tucson, Arizona. Leonard passed away peacefully, on Friday July 3rd. Born in 1927 in Kincheloe, West Virginia, Leonard was career military Veteran of 3 wars.

Husband - Father – Leadership – Soldier – Hero- Fisherman- Tinkerer – Pilot- Brother – Grandfather- Great Grand Father – Uncle – Community – Patriot – Friend – Courage – Mechanic – Adventurer

Leonard was the second of seven sons of Charles and Ola Wilfong, his three surviving brothers the oldest Glen, and younger brother’s Joe, John and wife Marie. Leonard was the proud father of five daughters: Aurita Wilfong and her husband Vince Redman of Glendale Az., M. Victoria Wilfong- Boyd and her husband Shannon Boyd of Tucson Az., M Teresa Wilfong of Tucson Az., Karen L Wilfong- Gispanski and her husband Steve Gispanski of St Petersburg Florida, Margarita T Wilfong- Cohen of Newport Beach Calif. Leonard had 3 grandchildren Amanda Gispanski and Great Grandson Thomas Gispanski. His grandson Garrett and Wife Alex are expecting soon to be born Great Grand daughter Arlo Gispanski. Uncle to several nieces and nephews. His family loved Leonard very much.

* Leonard ‘s wife Aurea Matillia Zorita Wilfong predeceased Leonard in 2008. Mrs. Wilfong dutifully supported Leonard and five daughters as well and served her adopted country as a military spouse. Leonard often acknowledged his wife Aurea for her leadership and sacrifices they made during his absence and years of military service. Leonard spoke often of his desire to join his wife, Aurea, in eternal love.

Leonard graduated from Weston High School in 1945, and shortly after joined the military and attended training in the Philippines. He began his 30-year military career with the U.S. Army Air Corp as an Auto Equipment mechanic. First duty assignment the occupation of Japan, 5th AF Takanawa, Japan. Received WWII Victory Medal and Army Occupation Medal Japan. During this assignment the dismantling of the Japanese Combat equipment and recovery in combat at Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Korea. Leonard Re-enlisted in the Air Force as a Staff Sergeant in Cleveland Ohio. Where he is received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Once again, reenlisted in Chicopee falls Mass. receiving AFLSA BR, AFR, GCMDL, BR lps ribbons. During SAC 18 years was assigned and completed several overseas tours including Spain, Germany, England, Morocco, Greenland, and Labrador Canada. He was also assigned duties as manager of SAC Aero Clubs and obtained his pilot’s license. Leonard s owned his own plane for 8 years in Westover Massachusetts and Torrejon Spain. In Spain he met the love of his life Aurea, and they were soon married in Madrid Spain. Leonard, his wife Aurea and first daughter Aurita moved the family from Spain to Massachusetts. Leonard was assigned to Labrador Canada, and Greenland, and then reenlisted in Tucson, Arizona assigned as NCOIC Titan II missiles. Leonard received GSM, AFLSA,NDS, AFGCM ribbons. Leonard was then assigned to Vietnam, where he asked permission to switch from Airforce to Army as it allowed for him to provide for his growing family with better pay possibilities. Leonard was assigned to Fort Huachuca Arizona and deployed to return to Vietnam. Leonard earned a Bronze Star while serving on the 20th Eng. Brigade. The mission was to support the 9th Infantry Division at Don Tan and Moc Hoa with heavy construction support building roads and necessary infrastructure for our troops.  At tremendous risk to himself Leonard called in an airstrike on enemy commandos infiltrating the camp and repelled the attack which saved lives. Upon coming home after 2 tours in Vietnam he was assigned to Fort Bliss Texas as Chief Warrant Officer W2 instructor for Eng. Support.  He received numerous medals and ribbons accommodations for his service including; Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device, Meritorious unit Citation and Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal Army. With the signing of SALTI treaty and downsizing the safeguard ABM system Leonard elected to retire from Active Serve to Reserve status May 1972. Moving his family later in 1972 to Tucson Arizona. Leonard went back to school completed Air and Engine Sch at Cochise College in Douglas Arizona. This added to his ongoing quest to advance his extensive technical and leadership abilities. He built a second career working his way up from diesel mechanic to the Head of Transportation for Empire Caterpillar Dealer. Leonard retired in 1986 focusing on his family and community interests as a lifetime member of MOAA.

* Leonard enjoyed lifelong friends spending time at the lakes, camping and exploring the Southwest. Leonard took great pride in spending time with his daughters exploring ghost towns, gold mining, fishing camping and waterskiing. His greatest pride was to see his daughters’ accomplishments.

Leonard embodied the motto of the Army Engineer “Omnes Res Bene Facere” Do all things well. Leonard accomplished a life well lived. (To Do All Things Well)

 Services:

Military Honor Graveside Service 10 A.M. July 22, 2020  Southern Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery 1300 South Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista Arizona 85635.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to USA WOA Heritage Foundation, USA WOA

https://www.warrantofficerhistory.org/

*flowers accepted sent directly to the cemetery

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Wednesday
22
July

Graveside Service

10:00 am - 10:30 am
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery
1300 South Buffalo Soldier Trail
Sierra Vista, Arizona, United States

Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery
1300 South Buffalo Soldier Trail
Sierra Vista, Arizona, United States
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