Andrew D. Turner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew D. Turner
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Turner in September 1944
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| Nickname(s) | Jugs |
| Born | January 6, 1920 Washington D.C. |
| Died | September 14, 1947 (aged 27) Lockbourne Army Airfield |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1942-1947 |
| Rank | 2nd lieutenant |
| Commands held | 100th Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
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Andrew D. Turner (born January 6, 1920 – died September 14, 1947) was a brave pilot and leader in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He was a fighter pilot and commanding officer of the 100th Fighter Squadron. This squadron was part of the famous all-African American 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen. They were often called the "Red Tails" because of their planes' distinctive markings.
Contents
Growing Up in Washington D.C.
Andrew D. Turner was born on January 6, 1920, in the Deanwood area of Washington D.C.. His father, Reverend Clarence Turner I, helped start the First Baptist Church of Deanwood.
Andrew went to Deanwood Elementary School. Later, he attended Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C.
Becoming a Tuskegee Airman
Andrew Turner joined the military and trained to become a pilot. On October 9, 1942, he completed his pilot training at Tuskegee. He earned his pilot wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant.
The U.S. Army Air Corps assigned Lieutenant Turner to the 332nd Fighter Group. He became part of their 100th Fighter Squadron.
In June 1944, Turner became the commanding officer of the 100th Fighter Squadron. He took over after the previous commander, Lieutenant Robert B. Tresville, went missing during a mission.
During World War II, Lieutenant Turner flew 69 missions. On July 18, 1944, he helped damage a German Me-109 aircraft.
After the war, Turner returned to the U.S. on June 10, 1945. He continued to serve in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He became a deputy commander and later an operations and training officer.
Awards and Honors
Andrew D. Turner received several important awards for his service:
- Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Congressional Gold Medal (awarded in 2006 to all Tuskegee Airmen)
His Final Flight
On September 14, 1947, Andrew Turner was involved in a mid-air accident. His Republic P-47N Thunderbolt plane crashed into another fighter aircraft near Lockbourne. Both pilots died in the accident. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
See also
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
