Early Life (1965-1983): LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr. was born on August 27, 1965, in Long Island, New York, to a West German mother and an American father who was stationed in West Germany. From a young age, LeRoy developed a deep passion for aviation, spending much of his childhood assembling model airplanes, collecting aviation memorabilia, and reading books on the subject. His love for flying was encouraged by his father, who would take him to local airports to watch airplanes take off and land, sparking a lifelong interest. LeRoy began formal flight instruction at the age of 15 in a Cessna 152 and completed his first solo flight at 16. By 1983, at the age of 18, LeRoy had earned his private pilot’s license. That same year, he graduated from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School on Long Island.

Military Career (1983-1995): LeRoy's desire to pursue aviation led him to choose the U.S. Air Force Academy over West Point, despite being accepted to both prestigious institutions. In 1987, he graduated from the Academy as part of Cadet Squadron 31 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. After completing pilot training in 1988, he was assigned to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, flying Lockheed C-141 Starlifters, large military cargo aircraft. His service included deployments during the Gulf War and later missions to Somalia, where he flew humanitarian operations under challenging and dangerous conditions. His skill and dedication earned him numerous awards and commendations during his military career, including being named the Twenty-First Air Force "Aircrew Instructor of the Year" in 1993. By the time LeRoy left active duty in 1995, he had achieved the rank of captain.

Transition to Civilian Aviation (1995-2001): In May 1995, after completing his military obligation, LeRoy joined United Airlines as a commercial pilot, starting as Second Officer on the Boeing 727 and later upgrading to First Officer on the Boeing 757/767 fleet in 1996. Despite moving to civilian aviation, he continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of major. His Air Force Reserve service included roles as a C-141 instructor pilot and as an Academy Liaison Officer, where he helped recruit young candidates for the Air Force Academy.

LeRoy met his future wife, Melodie Thorpe, in 1995 after being introduced by mutual friends. Despite living on opposite coasts—he in New Jersey and she in California—the two developed a relationship through phone conversations. When they met for the first time at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Melodie recognized LeRoy by his United Airlines uniform, as he had promised. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they became engaged on Valentine’s Day in 1997. They married in 1998 and had a daughter, Laurel, born in late 2000. Together, the couple enjoyed traveling the world, with memorable trips to places like Greece, Bora Bora, and Tahiti.

September 11, 2001 – The Flight 93 Hijacking: On the morning of September 11, 2001, LeRoy was serving as First Officer aboard United Airlines Flight 93, flying from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco. Forty-six minutes into the flight, four al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked the plane as part of the broader September 11 attacks. LeRoy and Captain Jason Dahl fought the hijackers for control of the cockpit, sending a distress signal ("Mayday") to air traffic control. The crew and passengers quickly learned of the other attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon through phone calls and resolved to take action.

The hijackers, realizing their plan was compromised, attempted to turn the aircraft toward Washington, D.C., likely aiming for the U.S. Capitol. However, the passengers and crew launched a counterattack to regain control of the plane. Struggling with the passengers' uprising and unable to control the plane properly due to tampered autopilot settings, the hijackers crashed the aircraft into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. All 44 people on board, including LeRoy Homer, lost their lives, but their brave actions saved countless others by preventing the plane from reaching its intended target.

Legacy and Memorials: LeRoy Homer was posthumously honored with numerous awards, including the Congress of Racial Equality’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, honorary membership in the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Drum Major for Justice Award. His widow, Melodie, established the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation, which offers aviation-related scholarships to young aspiring pilots, ensuring that LeRoy’s love of flying continues to inspire future generations.

LeRoy's name is etched on Panel S-67 at the South Pool of the National September 11 Memorial, along with other passengers and crew of Flight 93. His sacrifice, along with that of his fellow passengers and crew, has been remembered as an extraordinary example of courage under extreme adversity. In 2021, the United States Air Force Academy's graduating class of 2024 selected LeRoy Homer as their Class Exemplar, honoring him as someone who embodied the values they aspired to emulate.

LeRoy Wilton Homer Jr. is remembered not only for his skills as a pilot and military officer but for his kindness, humility, and bravery. He exemplified the qualities of leadership, service, and heroism, and his story continues to inspire many who reflect on his life and sacrifice.