Fitzroy Newsum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fitzroy Newsum
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Fitzroy Newsum
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| Birth name | Fitzroy Newsum |
| Nickname(s) | Buck |
| Born | April 22, 1918 Manhattan New York, US |
| Died | January 5, 2013 (aged 94) Denver, Colorado, US |
| Buried |
Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943–1970 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tuskegee Airmen |
| Alma mater | University of Maryland |
| Spouse(s) | Joan (Nee) Carney |
| Relations | Four children |
Fitzroy "Buck" Newsum (born May 22, 1918 – died January 5, 2013) was a brave American pilot and officer. He was one of the first members of the famous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He became a high-ranking officer, a colonel, before he retired in 1970.
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Early Life and First Plane Sightings
"Buck" Newsum was born in Manhattan, New York City, on May 22, 1918. He grew up on the island of Barbados. When he was 10 years old, in 1929, he saw his very first airplane. It was a Curtiss Robin that landed near his home.
He studied at the College of Military Science at the University of Maryland. In 1939, he joined the New York National Guard. By 1941, he was a second lieutenant in the Anti-Aircraft Coast Artillery Corps. He was sent to Hawaii and led a group that managed anti-aircraft missiles. This happened after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Flying High: Buck Newsum's Military Career
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During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to give more opportunities to African American servicemen. He arranged for 33 of them to take a special test for the United States Army Air Corps. Newsum was one of only 13 men who passed this difficult test.
After passing, he chose to go to the flight school at Tuskegee Army Air Field. The other 12 men went to Officer Candidate School. At Tuskegee, Newsum learned to fly the powerful Republic P-47 Thunderbolt warplane.
The Freeman Field Mutiny Event
Newsum was one of ten officers who oversaw the court-martials related to the Freeman Field mutiny. This event involved African American officers standing up against unfair segregation rules. These ten officers were chosen by General Frank O'Driscoll Hunter.
Life After the Military
After his military service, Newsum continued his education. He earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma. He retired from the military in 1970 as a colonel.
Later, Newsum worked as a manager for public relations at Martin Marietta in Denver, Colorado. In 1991, he was honored by being inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame. In 2006, all the Tuskegee Airmen, including Newsum, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
Remembering Fitzroy Newsum
Fitzroy Newsum passed away in Denver, Colorado, on January 5, 2013. He was 95 years old. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
Newsum was married to Joan Carney Newsum for 66 years. He was survived by her, their four children, and four grandchildren. After his death, U.S. Senator Mark Udall spoke about Newsum. He noted that Newsum served the U.S. military with pride, even though there was segregation at the time.
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- Freeman Field mutiny
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
