Leon C. Metz and how he began
Leon Claire Metz career began when he finished High School. Metz joined the US Air Force in 1948, during the Korean War, after he had finished High School. He was first placed at Biggs Field, El Paso where he was a propeller mechanic and was the rank of staff sergeant for four years. Here he began his love affair with southwest history. Following his discharge, he worked as a food stocker for Safeway, an El Paso Police officer, a milkman for Prices Dairy.
Picture of Leon C. Metz as Propeller Mechanic at Biggs Field, El Paso.
Leon Metz and the beginning of his Literary Work
Leon Claire Metz was inspired to be a Historian by C. L. "Don" Sonnichsen a noted historian himself. At this time he was a great mentor for a young Leon C. Metz. Leon Metz has published nineteen books and some articles and all of them are related to his love for the southwest history. He then started his true career as an El Paso Historian.
Picture of Leon C. Metz working at UTEP as a archivist.
Leon Metz and his work as a Historian
Leon Metz was a El Paso Historian and also a archivist for UTEP and assistant for the UTEP president Dr. Haskell Monroe. As a Historian for El Paso he had great success, he is known as the father of El Paso. Leon Metz has a talk show on KTSM where he talks about the southwest history. He also appears on A&E, History channels, and on BBC.In 2010 Metz won the Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement award from the Texas Historical Commission, this award recognizes an individual who has made a significant, long-term contribution to historic preservation in Texas. In 1985 he was awarded the Saddleman award or now known as Owen Wister award.
Picture of the "Saddleman" or "Owen WIster" award.