Charles DeBow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant
Charles DeBow
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Charles DeBow
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| Birth name | Charles DeBow |
| Born | February 13, 1918 Indianapolis, Indiana, US |
| Died | April 4, 1986 (aged 68) Indianapolis, Indiana, US |
| Buried |
Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1946 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards | |
| Alma mater | Indiana University Hampton Institute |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Priscilla Stuart |
| Relations |
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Charles DeBow was a brave American pilot. He was born on February 13, 1918, and passed away on April 4, 1986. DeBow was an officer in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was also a fighter pilot and a leader of the 301st Fighter Squadron. This squadron was part of the famous 332nd Fighter Group. Charles DeBow is best known as one of the amazing Tuskegee Airmen. These were all-African American pilots who fought bravely in World War II. He was one of 1,007 pilots who were part of this special group.
In July 1941, DeBow began his pilot training. He joined the very first class of Tuskegee Airmen cadets. On March 6, 1942, DeBow graduated from this training. He graduated with four other important pilots. These included Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who later became a four-star general. These first five graduates received a lot of attention. They were celebrated by the press and the African American community.
DeBow was the first person from Indiana to graduate from the Tuskegee Advance Flying School. He was also the first of fourteen people from Indianapolis, Indiana to achieve this.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Charles DeBow was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. This was on February 18, 1918. His parents were Charles Henry DeBow and Anna Sue Horne DeBow. They had moved to Indianapolis from Tennessee before Charles was born.
After finishing high school, DeBow went to Indiana University. His father wanted him to study medicine. This was to help him have a good life in a time when society was segregated. But Charles wanted to fly. He transferred to Hampton Institute to study business. There, he also joined a special pilot training course. DeBow worked many jobs to save money. He then left Hampton University to join the U.S. Army.
DeBow married Aurelia Jane Priscilla Stuart DeBow. They had several children together. His son, William DeBow, became a Captain in the Navy. His daughter, Kay DeBow, helped start the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
Military Career: The Tuskegee Airmen
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On July 19, 1941, Charles DeBow joined the U.S. Army Air Corps training program. This program was at Tuskegee Army Air Field. It was the very first class of African American aviation cadets.
On March 6, 1942, DeBow and only four other cadets finished the program. These five pilots were Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr., 2nd Lt. Lemuel R. Custis, 2nd Lt. Mac Ross, and 2nd Lt. George S. Roberts. This group became America's first African American pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
During World War II, DeBow was a squadron commander. He led the 301st Fighter Squadron. He flew 52 combat missions in Europe. This included flying air cover for D-Day's Operation Overlord. D-Day was a very important invasion during the war.
During one mission, DeBow was injured. Because of his injury, he could no longer fly. He left the military with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Awards and Recognition
The Tuskegee Airmen were honored for their bravery. In 2006, they received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards given to civilians in the United States.
Life After the Military
After leaving the military, DeBow returned to Indiana. He earned two Master's degrees. One was from Indiana University, and another from Butler University. DeBow then became an English teacher. He taught at Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis, Indiana for ten years. Later, he taught English at IUPUI. He continued teaching there until he passed away on April 4, 1986.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
