Jack Leslie, the father, was born in Montana and joined the US Navy upon graduation from high school in 1942. He was a Naval Aviator during World War II, flying TBM Torpedo Bombers against homeland Japan in the closing months of the war.

His son, John Jr, was born in August 1945 while Jack was still in the Western Pacific following the surrender of Japan.

John joined the Navy in 1967 and enjoyed a 21 year career as a Naval Aviator flying Attack (A-7) aircraft and Strike Fighter (F/A-18) Aircraft.

Jack died in 2009 before he could complete his story, which John carried to completion. John and his wife Pat reside in Florida.