Arthur Kenzie Leatherwood
Military
7th PRG - 13th PRS
Mount Farm
Chris Brassfield
Object Number - UPL 7194 - Lt. Arthur K. Leatherwood 7th PRG - 13th PRS Mount Farm
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Type Category: Reconnaissance
![Photographic officers of the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group look through camera lenses infront of a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Esten Illustrated.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 8 Jul 1943.' [stamp] and '273528.' [Censor no.]. A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse, however this has been removed.](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380976.jpg.webp?itok=b-IRYuYJ)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Reconnaissance
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Westville, OK, USA | 28 July 1921 | |
|
Died |
Austin, TX, USA | 29 August 2009 | Col. Arthur K. Leatherwood, Jr., USAF, Ret'd Col. Arthur Kenzie Leatherwood, Jr., passed from this life on August 29, 2009. Art, known as "A.K." to the family, was born at Westville, OK on July 28, 1921 to Arthur K. Leatherwood, Sr. and Lizzie Belle Blair Leatherwood. He graduated from Tulsa Central High School and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1939. Art received his pilot's wings at Waco, TX in 1943, and after a period as a flight instructor, was assigned to the 14th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Photo Group of the US 8th Air Force in England. Captain Leatherwood flew unarmed P-38 and Spitfire MK XI photo- reconnaissance aircraft over the European Theatre in support of Allied ground and bombing offensives. On Christmas Night, 1944, at Oxford, England, Art met his future bride Maxine Berggren. After the cessation of hostilities, he served in the Army of Occupation in Germany, returning to the US in 1947. Art and Maxine were married on March 18, 1947 in Olathe KS, and remained together for 62 years. Art attended the University of Southern California Film School for two years pursuant to his assignment to Lookout Mountain Film Laboratories where he worked as a documentary filmmaker for the Atomic Energy Commission, documenting the early nuclear tests in Nevada and the Marshall Islands. He returned to flying duty in 1955, flying RB-47 and U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. His military travels took him to Morocco, England, Alaska, Australia and Viet Nam. The family lived in California, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana and Arizona, moving to Austin, TX in 1965 upon Art's retirement from the Air Force after 26 years of distinguished service. After his retirement, Art earned his bachelor's degree in education, fulfilling a lifetime goal. He taught social studies at Lanier High School for fifteen years, retiring in 1983. A life member of the Texas State Historical Association, he was an active volunteer researcher and writer, and contributed to the 1996 revision of the Handbook of Texas. His retirement years were consumed by his interest in Texas history, a fascination with woodworking, a commitment to lunch every week with his son Jon, his passion for the game of golf, and his devotion to his wife and constant companion Maxine. He was a member of the Faith and Gethsemane Lutheran congregations of Austin and served in various capacities for the Texas Lutheran Synod. His last years were distinguished by his care for Maxine in her last days, which won him the affection and respect of all who knew him. The Leatherwood family would like to thank the staff of Buckner Villas Nursing Home for their compassionate and considerate care. |
|
Buried |
San Antonio, TX, USA | 31 August 2009 | Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery San Antonio, TX |
Revisions
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources
7th Photo Recon Group Master Directory, 6 June 1996 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia
