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Lieutenant Colonel

Alfred M. Gorham
Alfred Gorham.png
2nd lieutenant Alfred Gorham in 1944
Born 1920
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Died 2009
Buried
Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army Air Forces
Years of service 1942-1946
Rank Lieutenant Colonel
Unit 332nd Fighter Group
Commands held 301st Fighter Squadron
Awards

Alfred M. Gorham (1920–2009) was a brave American pilot. He was famous for being a Tuskegee Airman. He was the only one from Waukesha, Wisconsin. During World War II, his plane was shot down. He became a prisoner of war in Germany.

Serving His Country

Alfred Gorham joined the Army Air Force in 1942. He trained to become a pilot. He was part of the special group known as the Tuskegee Airmen. These were African American pilots who fought in World War II. He finished his pilot training on February 8, 1944. This happened at Tuskegee University.

Tuskegee P-51
The Tuskegee Airmen's planes had special red tails. This is why they were called "Red Tails."

Gorham flew many missions. On August 3, 1944, he fought over Budapest, Hungary. He shot down two German Focke-Wulf 190 fighters.

Captured During War

In 1945, his P-51 plane had engine trouble. This happened over Munich, Germany. He had to bail out of his plane. German forces captured him. He was held as a prisoner of war. He remained a prisoner until the war ended.

Awards and Honors

Alfred Gorham received several important awards. These awards honored his bravery and service.

  • Purple Heart: This medal is given to soldiers who are wounded or killed in battle.
  • Prisoner of War Medal: This medal is given to those who were held as prisoners of war.
  • Congressional Gold Medal: This special medal was given to all Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. It recognized their amazing service and courage.

Early Life and Education

Alfred Gorham graduated from Waukesha High School in 1938. He was accepted into Carroll College. However, he decided to take a job instead. He worked as a precision tool grinder. Later, he joined the army. Eventually, he was accepted into the Tuskegee Airmen program.

See also

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