15 Facts About Leland Kirkemo

Leland Erwin Kirkemo was a United States Navy captain.

Leland Erwin Kirkemo was born in Wahena Township, Cass County, Minnesota, on 28 May 1920, the son of Thorleif Kirkemo and his wife Lena.

Leland Kirkemo's father was an immigrant from Norway who had arrived in the United States in 1903 with his family.

Leland Kirkemo went to Deer River High School, from which he graduated in 1936.

In February 1942, not long after the United States entered World War II, Leland Kirkemo enlisted in the United States Navy.

Leland Kirkemo was initially trained as a radio operator, but was then selected for flight training in Jacksonville, Florida.

Leland Kirkemo was commissioned as an ensign and became a naval aviator in 1944.

Leland Kirkemo graduated from the University of Minnesota with an associate degree in liberal arts in March 1949.

Leland Kirkemo attended the Navy General Line School in Monterey, California, and was posted to a heavy attack squadron at NAS Moffett Field in California that trained to deliver nuclear weapons.

Leland Kirkemo served with the Heavy Attack Squadron 7 at Sandia Base in New Mexico and on the staff of Heavy Attack Wing One in Norfolk, Virginia.

Leland Kirkemo became a graduate of the University of Omaha.

Leland Kirkemo returned to the Pacific Fleet in January 1964 as commander of VAH-123.

Leland Kirkemo was a member of the Oak Harbor Rotary Club, and he served as its president from 1983 to 1984.

Leland Kirkemo was involved in the Navy League, the Deception Pass Power Squadron, and the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.

Leland Kirkemo died on 23 September 2010 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, and was buried in Tahoma National Cemetery in King County, Washington.