101 year-old Willie Rogers, the oldest surviving member of the Tuskegee Airmen died this week in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Rogers was described as low-key about the major role he played with the world renowned Airmen. It has been stated that some of this family members didn’t even know about his participation in the 100th Air Engineer Squad.
During World War II the Tuskegee Institute became one of the facilities used to train pilots. There was as civilian pilot training program that had been first completed by students in 1940. After its success, the program was then extended to become the epicenter for African American Aviation during the war. In the forties, these pilots still continued to face discrimination, since the military still felt the need to segregate minority and white pilots. However, despite many barriers, the Tuskegee Airmen were among World War II’s most respected fighter squadron. In 200 missions, these Airmen did not lose a single bomber to enemy fire – a record that is unmatched in comparison to any other fighter group.
Willie Rogers became a part of this elite group after being drafted in 1942. Rogers was based on the ground in logistics during his time with the Tuskegee Airman’s Engineer Squad; he was also a part of the Red Tail Angels.
Among his many prized honors, President George W. Bush presented Rogers with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 2007. Willie Rogers spent the remaining 50 years of his life in Florida. At the age of 100, he lived in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida and walked to Bethel African Episcopal Church every Sunday to attend services.
Thank you Mr. Willie Rogers for being an inspiration and a true hero.
Syllabus Magazine, the Carolina’s source for Music, Culture and Fashion
