Dr. Leo F. Murphy is currently employed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as a Professor of Aeronautical Science in the university’s College of Aviation. He holds an Ed.D.
Dr. Murphy previously completed a 30-year career in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer, where he served in various operational, training and command positions ashore, aboard ship and overseas. He holds land, glider and seaplane ratings, and he is currently pursuing his hot-air balloon certificate.
He has authored five books on aviation history, including the biography of a Tuskegee Airman who remains missing in action. This book earned the prestigious George Washington Honor Medal for its contribution to the understanding and preservation of American history. He also authored and staged a play on the Battle of Midway and wrote and narrated a television documentary on the early history of Naval aviation.
Dr. Murphy is a frequent lecturer on aviation history and he has provided presentations for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. His topics include the Search for Amelia Earhart, Battle of Britain, Battle of Midway, Cold War Antisubmarine Warfare, Early History of Naval Aviation, Legend of the Red Baron, History of Air Transportation in the United States, History of the Inverted Jenny Airmail Stamp, Soviet Night Witches and the Tuskegee Airmen.
In 2008, Dr Murphy was selected as the 23rd recipient of the prestigious Christa McAuliffe Award as the National Aerospace Teacher of the Year. In 2022, he was selected as the Embry-Riddle College of Aviation Professor of the Year.
Dr. Murphy is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and he presently serves on the Florida Aviation Historical Society Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Ed.D. - Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction on Instructional Technology, The University of West Florida
M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation Aerospace Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
M.S. - Master of Science in Information Systems, Naval Postgraduate School
Air Force Association; Balloon Federation of America; Florida Aero Club; Florida Aviation Historical Society; National Air and Space Museum; Pensacola Historic Preservation Society; Royal Aeronautical Society; Royal Air Force Club; Seaplane Pilot Association.