Armour G. McDaniel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Armour McDaniel
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| Birth name | Armour G. McDaniel, Sr. |
| Born | July 7, 1916 Martinsville, Virginia, US |
| Died | November 12, 1989 (aged 73) Indianapolis, Indiana, US |
| Buried | |
| Years of service | 1942-1964 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Alma mater | Virginia State University, Temple University and Rider College |
Armour G. McDaniel, Sr. (July 7, 1916 – November 12, 1989) was a brave American military officer. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force. He was a leader of the 301st Fighter Squadron, a famous unit of the Tuskegee Airmen. These pilots were African American and played a vital role in World War II. McDaniel also commanded cadets at Tuskegee Army Airfield. He was even a prisoner of war for a short time in Nazi Germany.
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Growing Up and School
Armour G. McDaniel, Sr. was born on July 7, 1916. His hometown was Martinsville, Virginia. He went to high school in Roanoke, Virginia.
Later, he attended Virginia State University. He earned a degree in business. He also studied economics at Temple University. Then, he got his teaching license from Rider College. Before the war, he taught English and history. He taught at an all African-American high school in Martinsville.
Serving His Country
McDaniel began his flight training in Tuskegee, Alabama. This was at the Tuskegee Army Airfield. He was part of an early flight class. On January 14, 1943, he finished his training.
In December 1943, he went to Italy. He joined the 332nd Fighter Group. This group was made up of all African-American pilots. They were known as the "Tuskegee Airmen." Their job was to protect Allied ships. They also escorted Allied bombers. These bombers flew deep into Germany.
A Dangerous Mission
On March 24, 1945, a very important mission took place. Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr. led the 332nd Fighter Group. They flew a long way from Italy to Berlin, Germany. Their goal was to protect bombers. These bombers were attacking a tank factory.
During the mission, Colonel Davis's plane had engine trouble. He had to turn back. Captain McDaniel then took command. He led the pilots to Berlin. Their P-51 planes were running low on fuel.
Near Berlin, 25 German Me-262 jets attacked them. McDaniel and his pilots fought bravely. They shot down three German jets. Not a single U.S. bomber was lost! However, the Germans shot down McDaniel's plane. They also shot down another P-51 pilot. McDaniel broke both his legs when he jumped from his aircraft.
Prisoner of War
The Germans captured McDaniel. He was held in several places. These included Nuremberg, Germany and Munich, Germany. He ended up at Stalag VII-A. This was a prison camp near Moosburg, Germany. He was a prisoner for over 30 days.
On April 29, 1945, he was set free. General George Patton's US Third Army liberated the camp.
After the War
In January 1945, McDaniel became a commanding officer. He led the 301st Fighter Squadron. In 1946, he became the leader of cadets. This was back at the Tuskegee Army Air Field. Later, McDaniel served in Alaska. He led several units there.
In 1964, McDaniel retired from the Air Force. He was a Lieutenant Colonel. After his military service, he worked for the U.S. government. He was a Civil Rights Specialist in New York City.
Family Life
After World War II, McDaniel married Faye J. Wilson McDaniel. They had three children: Armour G. McDaniel, Jr., Gregory McDaniel, and Gwendolyn Jackson. He also had four step-children.
His Final Rest
Armour G. McDaniel died on November 12, 1989. He passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Faye, is buried next to him.
His Lasting Impact
- In 2016, a section of Interstate 65 in Indiana was renamed. It was named for the Tuskegee Airmen. McDaniel's widow, Faye, attended the ceremony. She helped cut the ribbon.
- In February 2019, a Virginia State Senator honored McDaniel. He presented a flag to McDaniel's cousin. A flag was also flown over the Virginia state capital in his honor.
- A photo of one of McDaniel's missions is at the Smithsonian National Aerospace Museum. It shows his plane with a damaged wing. This happened after he attacked German barges in 1944. McDaniel destroyed six barges. Each barge had about 250 enemy troops. Even with his damaged plane, he made it back to base safely.
