Curtis C. Robinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Curtis C. Robinson
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| Born |
Curtis Christopher Robinson
August 25, 1919 |
| Died | October 12, 2009 (aged 90) Washington, DC, US
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| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Arlington County, USA |
| Other names | "CC" |
| Alma mater | Claflin College, Howard University School of Pharmacy |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1942–1947 |
Curtis Christopher Robinson (born August 25, 1919 – died October 12, 2009) was an American pharmacist and a brave officer in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was a fighter pilot during World War II and was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. He flew with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron.
Curtis Robinson and his two older brothers made history. They were the first African-Americans from one family to become officers in the U.S. military.
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Early Life and Learning
Curtis Robinson was born on August 25, 1919, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He was one of six children. His parents were both college graduates and school teachers. His grandparents had once been enslaved, but his family valued education greatly.
Curtis went to elementary, middle, and high school at Claflin College. After high school, he continued his studies there, focusing on Chemistry. His family had a long history with Claflin; his grandfather, who was a minister and politician, graduated from there in 1873. His parents, uncles, and aunts also attended Claflin.
After finishing college at Claflin College in 1940, Curtis became a school teacher in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. He taught subjects like geography, mathematics, history, and general science.
In 1945, after returning from World War II, Curtis married Florie Frederick Robinson. They were married for 56 years until Florie passed away at age 79.
Military Adventures
As the United States got ready for World War II, many young men joined the military. Curtis Robinson visited a local U.S. Army base called Camp Penn. He quickly saw that African American soldiers faced unfair treatment and were given less important jobs. Because of this, he decided to apply to become an aviation cadet at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama.
In 1942, the U.S. Army Air Corps accepted Curtis into the Tuskegee program. However, he and other African American candidates faced discrimination from white officers, who sent them home multiple times. Finally, in August 1942, Curtis was officially assigned to Tuskegee.
On April 29, 1943, Curtis graduated as a pilot. He earned his silver wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant. One of his classmates was Wilson V. Eagleson, another brave Tuskegee Airman who shot down two enemy planes. In 1943, Curtis and his two older brothers all became military officers, a truly special achievement for their family.
The U.S. Army Air Corps assigned Curtis to the 99th Fighter Squadron. He flew 33 combat missions during World War II in places like North Africa and Anzio, Italy. In 1944, he returned to the United States and became a flight instructor, teaching new Tuskegee cadets how to fly.
After the war, Curtis was stationed at Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, Ohio. In January 1947, he left the military with the rank of First Lieutenant.
Life as a Pharmacist
In 1947, Curtis Robinson moved to Washington, DC with his wife. He wanted to become an airline pilot, but no major commercial airline would hire him because of his race.
In 1948, Curtis decided to study pharmacy at Howard University. After graduating in 1952, he opened his own pharmacy in Washington, DC, called "Robinson Apothecary." This was during a time when racial segregation was still common. He eventually expanded his business to six pharmacies. In January 2008, he closed his last pharmacy.
Curtis also owned Robnor Publishing, LLC, a company he started with George Norfleet. Through this company, he released his autobiography, "A Pilot’s Journey," sharing his amazing life story.
Curtis and his family lived in the Hillcrest community of Washington, DC.
Honors and Awards
- In 2003, the Howard University School of Pharmacy gave Curtis Robinson an achievement award.
- In 2004, Claflin University honored him by adding him to its Hall of Fame.
- In 2006, all the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
Later Years
Curtis Robinson passed away on October 12, 2009, in Washington, DC. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, a special place where many American 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
