Leroy Gover was born in Colorado in 1914 but his family moved to California while he was young and he graduated from high school in Redwood City. By this time he had already developed a love of flying and his dream was to become a pilot. He was able to purchase his first plane in 1934 which allowed him to earn a living giving sightseeing rides and crop dusting in the summer. By 1941, Gover decided to join the Royal Air Force, was accepted, completed refresher flight training, and was soon on his way to England. He completed more training and became an instructor before flying Spitfires sorties. By 1942, Gover transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces and became part of the 336th Fighter Squadron in Debden. He continued to fly combat missions until December, 1943, when he was sent back to the United States. He was reassigned to Florida, then Arizona, and finally back to California. He retired as a Colonel from the Air Force in 1962 and then started his own charter service. Leroy Gover died in 1997 and was flying almost until the time of his death.
From the description of Leroy Gover collection, 1941-1990. (US Air Force Academy). WorldCat record id: 760086164
