One of the original 33 "Tuskegee Airman"



Tuskegee Airman. He was born on September 27, 1919 in Amory, Mississippi to parents Willie Ann Sykes Carter and George Washington Carter. He graduated from Tuskegee High School in 1941 and went on to join the United States Army in July of 1942 as a member of the 99th pursuit unit, which was one of the units that became known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He was one of the most active in promoting the legendary fighter pilots. Through their bravery and skill as World War II fighter pilots, the all-black Tuskegee Airmen are credited with not only taking part in winning the war, but in overcoming racial stereotypes and barriers. The fighter pilots' mission was protecting bombers looking for trains or enemy troops to attack in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Germany. He was one of the 33 original pilot trainees in the Tuskegee Airmen program, a member of the 99th Fighter Squadron and an aircraft maintenance supervisor. He remained in the integrated Air Force after World War II. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955 and a Master's degree in Education in 1969 from Tuskegee Institute. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1969. After his retirement from the United States Air Force, he became associate dean for student services at Tuskegee University and served in several other important capacities during his time there. Survivors include three children; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister; one brother. He died at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.