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Phillip Howard `Uncle Sam` or 'Zeke' Leckrone was from Salem, Illinois and had extensive pre-war flying experience, owning his own aircraft.
He travelled to Britain and enlisted in the RAF. Following Spitfire conversion training at 7 OTU Hawarden he joined No 616 Squadron at Kenley on the 2nd of September 1940 and was later posted to 71 Squadron at Church Fenton on the 12th of October 1940, to join other American volunteers in the first 'Eagle' squadron.
On 5th January 1941 Leckrone was killed on a formation practice, when his Hurricane V6636 collided with Plt Off EE Orbison in V6983, Leckrone crashing near Scunthorpe. He was the squadron's first fatality, Orbison managed to get his damaged aircraft back to Kirton.
He is buried in Kirton-in-Lindsey Burial Ground in Lincolnshire - Block A. Grave 183.
Son of William and Lottie Leckrone, of Salem, Illinois, U.S.A.; husband of Naomi J. Leckrone, of Salem
His home town airport is called Salem-Leckrone in his honour.
Ref
CWGC
Battle of Britain Monument
RAF Pilots in WW2
