Alfonza W. Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfonza W. Davis
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Alfonza W. Davis
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| Born | August 20, 1919 |
| Died | October 29, 1944 (aged 24) Adriatic Sea (presumed)
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
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Branch
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United States Army Air Corps |
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Rank
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Captain |
| Unit | Tuskegee Airmen |
| Commands | Squadron commander, 99th Pursuit Squadron |
| Awards |
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Alfonza W. Davis (born August 20, 1919 – died October 29, 1944) was a brave African-American pilot. He was the first from North Omaha, Nebraska, to earn his pilot's "wings." Davis was a proud member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. He received important awards like the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Captain Davis went missing during a mission over the Adriatic Sea near Italy in 1944.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Alfonza Davis was born in Pensacola, Florida, on August 20, 1919. After his mother passed away in 1920, he moved to North Omaha, Nebraska, with his father and brother.
Davis was a very smart student. He graduated at the top of his class from Omaha's Technical High School in 1937. He then went on to attend Creighton University. In 1941, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. While at Creighton, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Military Career and the Tuskegee Airmen
Davis joined the United States Army on March 17, 1941. In July 1942, he volunteered to join the Army Air Corps. He became an aviation cadet, ready to train as a pilot.
He received his flight training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama. He was the first African American from Omaha to complete this training and earn his pilot's wings. Davis graduated on March 25, 1943. He was then assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron, which was part of the 332d Fighter Group.
The 332d Fighter Group was an all-African American unit. They were famously known as the "Red Tails" because of the special red markings on their planes. Davis became an Assistant Group Operations Officer for this group. He achieved the rank of captain and flew different types of escort fighter planes, including the P-39, P-47, and the P-51 Mustang.
Captain Davis's last job was leading the 99th Pursuit Squadron. During the war, the 99th Squadron destroyed 83 German aircraft.
Final Mission and Legacy
On October 29, 1944, Captain Davis was on a reconnaissance mission over Munich, Germany. He was flying a P-51D Mustang. He was last seen over the northern Adriatic Sea. Sadly, he never returned to base.
The War Department later declared him missing in action. Captain Davis is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery.
Davis received many honors for his service. These included the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and an Air Medal. He also earned the French Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 with Palm. He was credited with one aerial victory on July 16, 1944. In 2006, all the Tuskegee Airmen, including Davis, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Legacy
In 1988, the Alfonza W. Davis Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen was started in Omaha. This group works to research and share the stories of the brave men and women who served in military aviation. They fought two wars: one against enemy forces and another against racism at home.
In 2013, the Omaha Public Schools named a new middle school after him. The Alfonza W. Davis Middle School is located in Omaha, honoring his memory.
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
- History of North Omaha, Nebraska
- List of people who disappeared mysteriously at sea
- People from North Omaha, Nebraska
