Eugene B. Jackson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene B. Jackson
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Sonny |
| Born | 1923 Portland, Maine |
| Died | September 20, 2015 (aged 91–92) |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Rank | Master Sergeant |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Constance (Cordice) Jackson |
Eugene B. Jackson (1923 – September 20, 2015) was an amazing mechanic who worked for the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. He was a proud member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, a group of brave African-American pilots and support crew. Jackson helped keep their planes flying and their communications working.
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Growing Up in Maine
Eugene Jackson was born in Portland, Maine in 1923. His family was one of the oldest African-American families in the city. Growing up, Eugene often found himself as one of the very few Black students in his schools. For example, he was the only Black student in his elementary school. Later, at Portland High School, only twelve out of 1000 students in his class were Black. He graduated from high school in 1941.
Joining the Military
Before the United States officially joined World War II, many Americans tried to join the Canadian military. Eugene Jackson also tried to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. However, he was told to try joining the U.S. military first.
In 1942, Jackson joined the United States Army Air Force. This was when he first started to experience unfair treatment because of his race.
Training with the Tuskegee Airmen
After joining, Jackson was sent to Fort Devens in Massachusetts. But soon, he and all the other Black recruits were sent to Tuskegee, Alabama. This was where the famous Tuskegee Airmen were trained.
Over the next two years, Jackson traveled across the United States. He learned how to be a skilled mechanic and how to work on aircraft instruments. Because he traveled for his training, he didn't experience some of the worst racism that other Tuskegee Airmen faced who stayed in Alabama for their entire training.
Serving in World War II
In 1944, Jackson was sent overseas to Italy and North Africa. He served with the 332nd Fighter Group, which was part of the Tuskegee Airmen. After the D-Day invasion in Normandy, his group moved to mainland Europe.
During the war, Eugene Jackson had a very important job. He was responsible for keeping the fighter planes' radios and communication equipment working. This was vital for pilots to talk to each other and to ground control.
After the War
When World War II ended, Jackson was discharged from the military. He tried to find a job as an airplane mechanic in civilian life. However, it was very hard for a Black man to find such a job at that time. Because of this, he rejoined the military for a short time in 1950.
After leaving the military for good, Jackson worked as a machinist. He also worked on special equipment used for breathing. He moved to Boston for a short time, then to Marshfield, Massachusetts. He decided to go back to school and enrolled at Boston University to study engineering. While studying there, he met his future wife, Constance (Cordice) Jackson, who was a teacher.
