Wendell A., Leier 91, of Rutherford, passed away on July 9, 2016 surrounded by his devoted family. Born in Brooklyn, to Thomas and Elizabeth Leier in 1924
Wendell enlisted in the US Navy Air Corps. During WWII as a gunner on the B-24 Liberator. During his tour his plane was attacked by a fighter group of Japanese Zeros. He managed to take out a few of them with his bow- turret gun but one Zero slipped through and shot and damaged the fuselage and an engine, although his plane was badly damaged they managed to return to an emergency air field in Tacloban, Philippines 400 miles away and landed safely with only a few gallons of fuel remaining.
For his heroism and bravery against the enemy, Wendell received the Air Medal, Ribbon bar of the Navy; Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. He also received several commendations from the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal and even from President of the Unites States Harry S. Truman. After his time in the Navy, he attended College and graduated with a BS in 1952.
Wendell was employed by Stevens Paint in Stoney Point NY as a Chemist, for 40 years, retiring in 1994. He is a member of the American Legion Post 0139 Lyndhurst; he was an avid Cardinal and Giant Fan. He also liked the ponies, daily checking the stats and giving advice to his son-in-law Robert.

Wendell is survived by his attentive and loving children Thomas and his wife Cheryl, Catherine Scott and her husband Robert and his adored grandchildren Bryan, Ricine and Robert James Scott, and his former wife Joan Leier. He is also predeceased by 2 brothers and a sister.
Funeral services were private. Care of his arrangements was conducted by the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home in Rutherford.

**Thank you Mr. Leier for your Service in the United States Navy**

Affiliations

Air Medal
American
American Legion
Navy Unit Commendation
US Navy