David Edward Leyshon

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on April 11, 2007:

David Edward Leyshon Born January 20, 1927 - Died June 23, 1953, over Korea David Edward "Dave" Leyshon was born in Pennsylvania on 20 January 1927. He was appointed to West Point from the Army of the United States. On graduation Dave went in the Air Force and after completing pilot training reported to Tyndall AFB and then on to Korea. Then on the morning of June 23, 1953, an F-84 plummeted from a drizzly overcast carrying its pilot, David E. Leyshon to his death. He had only minutes before taken off on a combat air patrol. The circumstances surrounding the accident are obscure, but the fact that it took the life of an outstanding individual is brutally true. Early in his life Dave was inspired with the ambition to fly and during the latter part of World War II he became an aviation cadet in the Army Air Corps. With the end of the war approaching, Dave, along with many other cadets, was released from cadet training, but his desire to fly led him to seek other avenues of realizing his dream and West Point seemed to be the solution. At West Point, Dave was almost immediately noted as an outstanding cadet. The many fine characteristics that he possessed made him a natural leader and a sincere friend. Academics came easily to him and he spent a great deal of his time developing his mind on problems of world affairs. He was an outstanding member of the West Point Forum and gave freely of his time and efforts to make the West Point Seminars and Debate Tournaments successful. His entire philosophy seemed to be based on the ideals of West Point. With this background, graduation embarked him on a career of a soldier and a statesman. In August of 1952, Dave's dream became a reality when he was awarded his wings at Williams Air Force Base. Eight years he worked for that day and this in itself is indicative of the tenacity of purpose that was his forte. Assignment with the Far East Air Defense Force, following several months of interceptor training, following graduation from Williams. In January of 1953, Dave left his beloved wife, Dorie, and their daughter, Laurie, for Korea. Assigned to the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at K-13, he continued to drive himself, serving as the assistant maintenance office in addition to flying his combat and training missions. On the morning of June 23, 1953, he took off on his 26th and last combat mission. Had not death taken him, he would undoubtedly have become an outstanding Air Force leader. The only consolation, that those he left behind have, is that he died serving his country while doing what he loved to do - flying. Dave was a true airman in addition to a great soldier and it was fitting that his remains were interred at the Alma Mater that was so much a part of his entire life. There in a small plot behind the "Old Cadet Chapel", his wife Dorie and his small daughter Laurie Lee gathered to pay tribute to their loved one. If Dave could have spoken, he would have surely wanted to dedicate this memorial of his short but brilliant life, to his daughter whom he loved ever so much. (A Classmate.) Click to find out what makes Fly Boys tick Air Force Values ufa On 4-10-2007 I received the following message from Dave's nephew, David Johnson. "Hello Mr. Chacon, I am the nephew of Dave Leyshon who you might remember from your days at West Point. I cannot begin to tell you how much your website has meant to Dave's daughter, Laurie and his widow Dorie. Both extend to you their thanks for making this material available on the web. I have been investigating the circumstances surrounding his death which occurred on June 23, 1953. I have read the eulogy you posted and was amazed at the level of detail you brought to the obit and was wondering how you obtained such great info? I have read the official 88 page report on his crash and you nailed the majority of the details. One small correction I may suggest is that he was flying an F-94b serial number 51-5384. His radar observer, 1st Lt. James Aylward, was also killed. Uncle David was awarded the Purple Heart and yet is not listed "officially" as KIA? I wonder how this was possible? Laurie, Dorie, and I would like to have his name placed on the memorial wall at West Point for those who have fallen in combat. His name does not appear on the plaque. Dave was on a combat mission and I feel he deserves this honor. Unfortunately, his plane was completely destroyed and the official cause remains a mystery. I was hoping to contact his roommate Bob Olsen, but he passed away before I could establish contact. His fellow pilots from the 319th also agree that he deserves this honor, some of which, I am in contact with at the present time. One final note. I read your biography and noticed that you flew out of Kunsan. Uncle David's plane crashed within 200 yards from the Able Sugar Homer 12 miles East of the strip at Suwon. Being a pilot and an airline employee, I was hoping to obtain the lat/long of the homer from a Korean War approach plate for the strip at Suwon. In doing so, I could pinpoint, exactly, the crash site and possibly visit the location along with Laurie. Any help you could provide would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Best," P.S.-Best way I can help David in his efforts is to add his message to my post.

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