White - Informal
Vice commander - SAC

Leavitt was born November 18, 1928 in Alpena, Michigan. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He attended flying training school and was awarded pilot wings in 1951.

During the Korean War Leavitt served in South Korea as a pilot and flight commander with the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing. He flew 100 combat missions in F-84s. Leavitt was assigned to Headquarters Far East Air Forces, Japan, in the Directorate of Requirements (1952 - 1953).

He then returned to the United States and served as a flight commander in the 508th Strategic Fighter Wing; a U-2 pilot and later chief of standardization in the 4028th Strategic Reconnaissance Weather Squadron (1957); B-52H unit - the 524th Bombardment Squadron (1960); 379th Bombardment Wing as chief, Training Operations Branch and later was assigned to the 40th Air operations staff officer (1962); Headquarters, United States Air Force, Washington, D.C., as an operations staff officer working in studies and analysis (1962-1966); Leavitt transferred to Germany where he was assistant deputy commander for operations of the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, and later director of readiness inspection.

He went to Thailand and served as vice commander, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (1970) until his appointment as commander, 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. While in Southeast Asia he flew 152 combat missions, the majority in F-4s. Leavitt was reassigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force as deputy director of operations in the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1972).

Leavitt served as commander of Chanute Technical Training Center (1974-1976); deputy chief of staff for operations and intelligence at the Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe; and SAC headquarters as chief of staff (1978). Leavitt is a command pilot with 5,000 flying hours.

His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award ribbon with two "V" devices and the Republic of Argentina Aviador Militar "Honoris Causa."

He retired September 1, 1981 and died on March 14, 2016.