From September 1939 to November 1940 , Leahy served as Governor of Puerto Rico after Roosevelt removed Blanton Winship over his role in the Ponce massacre . Leahy oversaw the development of military bases and stations across the island while serving as governor . He took an open stance of not intervening directly in local politics , attempted to understand and respect local customs , and initiated various major public works projects in the island
Ponce massacre
Ponce massacre
William D. Leahy