He entered the United States Naval Academy in 1941, where he was a member of the track team, and graduated in 1944 after only three years due to the accelerated curriculum in use during World War II.

[1][2][3] LeBourgeois' first assignment was as a gunnery officer aboard the light cruiser USS Columbia (CL-56), then in combat against the Japanese in the Pacific.

[1][4] After leaving Blandy, LeBourgeois attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, before becoming commanding officer of the destroyer USS Norris (DD-859) on 28 July 1959.

While he was in command, Norris had the highest competitive score overall for destroyers in the United States Atlantic Fleet for the fiscal year 1961 and received the Battle Efficiency Award twice.

After completing his studies, he was assigned to the Strategic Plans Division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, earning a Master's degree in International Affairs from George Washington University in 1963 during his tour.

From December 1962 to June 1965, he was executive assistant and senior aide to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans and Policy).

[1] In July 1967, LeBourgeois left Halsey for an assignment in the Systems Analysis Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

[1] In May 1972, LeBourgeois was promoted to vice admiral and began an assignment as chief of staff to the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Atlanticin Norfolk, Virginia.

[3] After retiring, LeBourgeois moved to New London, New Hampshire, where he led the creation of the popular "Adventures in Learning" continuing-education program at Colby-Sawyer College.

[2] He was to be buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland,[3] in October 2012, but Hurricane Sandy forced a postponement of his funeral until 22 March 2013, when his cremated remains were interred with full military honors.