Clarence C. Jamison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence C. Jamison
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| Born |
Clarence Clifford Jamison
February 25, 1918 |
| Died | March 6, 2014 (aged 95) Cleveland, Ohio, US
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| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60, Site 10604 |
| Other names | "Jamie" |
| Alma mater | University of Chicago |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1941–1963 |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen |
Clarence Clifford “Jamie” Jamison (February 25, 1918 – March 6, 2014) was an amazing American pilot. He was one of the first eight African American combat fighter pilots. He flew with the famous Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the "Red Tails," during World War II. These brave pilots helped change history and show everyone that skill and courage have no color.
Jamison and Lt. Allen G. Lane also became the first African American flying instructors at Tuskegee Army Air Field.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jamison was born on February 25, 1918, in Little Rock, Arkansas. His family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, for a short time when he was five, but they soon returned to Little Rock.
He went to Bolton Elementary School and Little Rock Central High School. After high school, Jamison studied at the University of Chicago. He focused on pre-medicine and medical bacteriology. While in Chicago, he worked part-time and lived with his uncle.
Jamison was married to Phyllis L. Piersawl Jamison for 53 years. They had two children, Michal and Clarence Jr., and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Military Career and the Tuskegee Airmen
Jamison dreamed of becoming a pilot. In 1940, he earned his civilian pilot's license. He then applied to the U.S. Army Air Force's Tuskegee Army Air Field training program. When he didn't hear back, he wrote to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who supported the Tuskegee program. Five weeks later, he was accepted! He joined the program on August 21, 1941.
On April 29, 1942, Jamison graduated from the Tuskegee Advance Flying School. He was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, which was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. This group became famous as the Tuskegee Airmen. They were known for their planes with distinctive red tails, earning them the nickname "Red Tails."
Jamison flew 67 combat missions during World War II in places like North Africa and Italy. In January 1944, he led his squadron on a patrol mission. They faced many enemy German fighter planes. Even though they were outnumbered, Jamison's squadron bravely fought back. They shot down five enemy aircraft.
After World War II, Jamison continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force. The military was becoming desegregated, meaning people of all races could serve together. Jamison retired in 1963 as a Lt. Colonel after 22 years of service.
Life After the Military
After his military career, Jamison worked for the Social Security Administration. He retired from there after 23 years.
Awards and Honors
Jamison received several important awards and honors for his service:
- Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters (meaning he earned it multiple times)
- Congressional Gold Medal awarded to all Tuskegee Airmen in 2006
- Tuskegee University gave him an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree.
- The City of Cleveland gave him the key to its city.
- President Barack Obama invited Jamison to his inauguration in 2009.
Jamison's life story is also told in the book, "Memories from Tuskegee: The Life Story of Lieutenant Colonel Clarence C. Jamison as told to James Christ."
Death
Clarence C. Jamison passed away on March 6, 2014, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many heroes are laid to rest.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
