Leland C. Shepard Jr.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. - Brigadier General Leland C. "Bob" Shepard Jr., (USAF Retired) died July 22, 2009, in his home in West Palm Beach, Fla., with Patricia, his wife of 65 years, and his daughter, Harriet Miller of Newport News, Va., at his side.
He is also survived by his daughters, Judith Chapman in Los Angeles, Calif., and Patricia Moran Shepard in Madrid, Spain. In addition, he has three grandsons and five great-grandchildren, with a sixth on the way.
Bob was born in Miami, Fla., on July 5, 1923, and raised in Coral Gables, Fla. He entered the University of Florida in September of 1941, but after Pearl Harbor, he enlisted as a Private in the Army Air Corps. He soon entered training as an Aviation Cadet - Pilot and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1942 and went on to fly 58 missions in Southern Italy, North Africa and the Burma Chinese Theatres.
At the end of World War II, he requested release from active duty to finish his Degree of Juris Doctor. After admission to the bar, he applied for duty with The Air Force Judge Advocate General Office and by 1951 he was Staff Judge Advocate at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. However with the onset of The Korean War he volunteered to return to the line of duty, flying the B-26, 'The Night Light Intruder'. Following the war 'Shep' went on to fly operationally in F-86, F-86D and B-57. His love of flying also found him in The B-47 as well as a T-39 instructor. His service to his country sent him to command post positions in Japan, England, Spain, Seoul, Korea, S.A.C. Headquarters, as well as The Pentagon.
In April, 1977, after 35 years (of service), he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Brigadier General. He was then asked to join the law firm of Adams, Coogler, Watson, and Merkel of West Palm Beach. After a distinguished civilian law career, General L.C. Shepard retired from the firm as a full partner.
Bob enjoyed his retirement sailing his boat 'Fiddler's Green' and traveling between his homes in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Highlands, N.C., with his wife and their two Corgies, Molly and Ladd.
He earned Command Pilot status during his military service and his awards include two Legions of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and a Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem.
General Shepard will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on October 14, 2009, with full military honors.
Arrangements by Quattlebaum Funeral & Cremation Services, (561) 832-5171. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.