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The Civil Defense series contains three subseries: World War II Era (1941-1946), Fuel Shortages and Rationing (1943-1950), and Post-World War II (1947-1952). Each of these subseries is further divided by name of organization and major subject areas. These subseries are basically office files, and include many reports, memos, pamphlets, and orders not directly related to Leonard, along with his personal notes and correspondence. There is also a large selection of printed civil defense pamphlets and books. These subseries also include some of the office files of Leonard's predecessor and successor as Michigan Civil Defense Director, Harold A. Furlong and Lester J. Maitland respectively. Of interest in the first subseries are materials accumulated during a study trip taken by Leonard to examine civil defense procedures in England in 1941. This subseries also has information pertaining to the Detroit race riot of 1943. The files on post-war civil defense contain documentation of preparations for possible nuclear attacks.