At the time of James' death, long after World War II, he was reputed to be the oldest living graduate of Acadia.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: — [...] Distinguished Flying Cross [...] Acting Flight Lieutenant Henry Wallace McLEOD (Can/J.4912), Royal Canadian Air Force.

Despite the odds, Flight Lieutenant McLeod so skilfully led his section during the combat that the enemy force was completely broken up.

This officer has always displayed the greatest determination to engage the enemy and has destroyed at least 5 and damaged a number of other hostile aircraft.

[8] During his time in Malta, it is thought McLeod may have shot down and killed the 47 victory ace Heinz "Figaro" Golinski on 16 October 1942.

During a period of five days Flight Lieutenant McLeod destroyed five enemy aircraft in the defence of Malta.

[11] On 5 September 1944 McLeod was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for 250 missions and 21 aerial victories, plus three probably destroyed and 12 damaged.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:— Distinguished Service Order.

This officer continues to display the highest standard of courage and resolution in air operations.

Johnson questioned the rest of the pilots and one reported seeing Wally chasing a lone Messerschmitt.

[15] Knowing McLeod's character, Johnson believed he would have attacked regardless of the enemy fighter's advantage: I feel certain that he wouldn't have let go of the 109 until the issue had been decided one way or the other.

McLeod was still in the wreckage of his Spitfire, in the outskirts of Wesel, near Duisburg, just inside the German border.

[18] In September 2002, a building at 15 Wing, the military air training base south of Moose Jaw was named for Henry Wallace McLeod.