Don, The bolts ,that go through the pump and into the trans housing should have gaskets,similar to washers on each.
The front cover you are refering to, is part of the pump housing. When the pump is removed you can see that the pump is 2-piece,as it is bolted together. You can remove the pump,without losing or moving any parts inside,as long as the trans input shaft is pointing upward. These pumps have two threaded holes,opposite each other,and will take a 3/8" bolt to attach your puller to.
Before I'd remove the pump though, I'd wipe off where you think it is leaking ,tip it up slightly on the rear and watch to see if you can find where it's seeping from,Brian