Captain Leo Gregory Hyatt

Leo was born April 29th 1934 in Salem, NH. He graduated from high school in 1952 as valedictorian of his class and played all three major sports. He continued to play football during his year at the University of New Hampshire and at the U.S. Naval Academy from which he graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Engineering. He went immediately to flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1958.

Until 1962 he was attached to VF-11, the Red Rippers, flying F-8 Crusaders at NAS Cecil Field and abroad USS ROOSEVELT, (CVA-42). A two year tour at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, resulted in a second Bachelor of Science degree, this time in Aeronautical Engineering. Following a two-year tour at the Naval Academy where he instructed in engineering and coached football; he started flying the RA-5C Vigilante with RVAH-12 stationed at NAS Sanford, FL, and abroad the USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) for a combat deployment to Vietnam.

CAPT. Hyatt was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, the Single Action Air Medal, two Strike/Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars and Combat “V”, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Action ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal with eleven Stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action Medal) and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for flights over North Vietnam and his conduct as a prisoner of war from August 13th, 1967 to March 14th, 1973.

CAPT. Hyatt leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara Hyatt; his children, Lori, Greg, Ashlen and Robert. He is also survived by his brother Matt Hyatt, many loving grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A committal service with military honors for Captain Leo will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 11:30am at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota, Florida 34241.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kayspongerpc.com for the Hyatt family.