Alexander Jefferson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Jefferson
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| Born | November 15, 1921 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | June 22, 2022 (aged 100) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1969 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group and US Air Force Reserve |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | |
Alexander Jefferson (November 15, 1921 – June 22, 2022) was an American Air Force officer. He was famous for being one of the Tuskegee Airmen. This was a group of brave African-American pilots who flew during World War II.
Jefferson was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. He wrote a book called Red Tail Captured, Red Tail Free: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman and POW. This book shares his experiences serving America during and after World War II.
Contents
Growing Up in Detroit
Alexander Jefferson was born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 15, 1921. He was the oldest child of Alexander and Jane White Jefferson. His family had a strong history of fighting for education.
His great-grandfather, William Jefferson White, was born in the 1830s. He later became a minister. In 1867, he started a school for Black boys in Georgia. Today, this school is known as Morehouse College.
Jefferson went to school in Detroit. He graduated from Chadsey High School in 1938. He was the only African-American student in his college prep classes. In 1942, he earned a science degree from Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Flying High in World War II
On September 23, 1942, Alexander Jefferson joined the United States Army Reserve. He wanted to become a pilot, but he wasn't accepted for flight training right away. He worked as a chemist for a few months. Then, he applied to the US Army Air Force again.
In April 1943, he was called for flight training. He went to Tuskegee Army Air Field. This is where he earned his pilot's wings and became an officer. He joined the 332nd "Red Tail" Fighter Group in Italy. He flew the fast P-51 Mustang plane.
His job was to protect bombing missions for the US 15th Air Force. He also attacked enemy targets on the ground. The "Red Tails" were known for their skill and bravery.
Shot Down and Captured
On August 12, 1944, Jefferson was on his 19th mission. He was flying over Toulon, southern France. While attacking a radar station, his plane was shot down. He parachuted safely into a forest.
Soon after, Nazi ground troops captured him. He was sent to a prisoner of war (POW) camp called Stalag Luft III in Poland. This camp was just for captured Allied Air Force pilots. Jefferson said he was treated like any other officer by his German captors.
Later, he was moved to another camp, Stalag VII-A, near Dachau. When the Russian Army entered Poland, the prisoners were forced to march to Munich. There, they were finally freed by General George Patton's US Third Army. Jefferson returned to the United States in mid-1945.
Life After the War
After World War II, Jefferson worked as an instructor at Tuskegee Army Airfield until it closed in 1946. He stayed in the US Air Force Reserve and retired in 1969.
In 1947, Jefferson became a teacher. He taught science in elementary schools in Detroit. He earned his master's degree in education in 1954. In 1969, he became an assistant principal. He retired in 1979 after more than 30 years in education. He lived to be 100 years old, celebrating his birthday in 2021.
Honors and Awards
Alexander Jefferson received many honors for his service.
- In 1995, he was added to the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame.
- In 2004, President George W. Bush gave him a Purple Heart. This award is for soldiers wounded in battle. Jefferson received it because he was shot down over France.
- On March 29, 2007, Jefferson and all other Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards given to civilians in the United States. It recognized their amazing service to the country.
- In 2021, his home city of Detroit honored him with a special "key to the city."
Military Awards
Jefferson earned many medals and awards for his military service. Some of the most important include:
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star Medal
- Purple Heart
- Air Medal
- Prisoner of War Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- French Knight of the Legion of Honor Medal
Documentary About His Life
A documentary film was made about Alexander Jefferson. It is called The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of A Second Class Hero (2016). It tells the story of his life and his important legacy.
Images for kids
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The Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen.
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
