Commander Leonard C. Eastman

Commander Leonard C. Eastman, U.S. Navy (Ret.), of Naples, Florida, a decorated combat aviator, former prisoner of war, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on December 4 at the age of 92. His life was defined by courage, resilience, and unwavering service to his country.

Leonard Corbett Eastman, known to family and friends as Len, was born on June 25, 1933, in Bernardston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Fred H. Eastman and Sara Boyle Eastman and was predeceased by his parents and by his sister, Linda Marlowe.

After graduating from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, Len entered the United States Navy through Aviation Officer Candidate School in October 1957. Following completion of flight training and Photographic Reconnaissance Officer School, he was designated a Naval Aviator and flew the RF-8A Crusader. He later served as a flight instructor at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.

After attending the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, then-Lieutenant Eastman deployed for two combat tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. From October to November 1965, he flew combat missions from the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. He subsequently deployed aboard USS Hancock beginning in May 1966. On June 21, 1966, while conducting combat operations over North Vietnam, his aircraft was shot down. After ejecting, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war.

Commander Eastman endured 2,429 days in captivity before being released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. Following his return to the United States, he underwent medical recovery and continued his naval service, including attendance at Navy Comptroller School. His final assignment was at Naval Station Annapolis, Maryland, where he served until retiring from the Navy on November 1, 1983, after more than twenty-six years of honorable service.

For his extraordinary valor, leadership, and steadfast endurance, Commander Eastman was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, the Purple Heart (two awards), the Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, and the Prisoner of War Medal.

Len is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline H. Eastman; his stepchildren, Sarah H. Crowell and Christopher T. Harpin; and five grandchildren, Alexandra R. Crowell, Caroline M. Crowell, Elizabeth B. Crowell, Richard R. Harpin, and Taylor A. Harpin.

A burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring a life of extraordinary service and sacrifice.