George L. Knox II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant colonel
George L. Knox II
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George L. Knox II
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| Birth name | George L. Knox II |
| Nickname(s) | Skipper |
| Born | December 23, 1916 Indianapolis, Indiana, US |
| Died | November 4, 1964 (aged 47) Tuskegee, Alabama, Macon County, Alabama, US |
| Buried |
Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana, Marion County, Indiana
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1964 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards |
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| Alma mater | Fisk University |
| Spouse(s) | Yvonne Marguerite Wright Knox |
| Relations |
Children: *Adelaide Emma Sons: *George L. III. *John Elwood *Craig Streator |
George Levi Knox II (nicknamed "Skipper") was a brave American pilot and leader. He was born on December 23, 1916, and passed away on November 4, 1964. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army Air Force and later the U.S. Air Force.
Knox was a combat fighter pilot and a key member of the 332nd Fighter Group. This group was famous for its all-African American pilots, known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He was one of the first twelve African Americans to become combat fighter pilots. He was also the second person from Indiana to graduate from the Tuskegee Advanced Flying School.
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Early Life and Family
George L. Knox II was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on December 23, 1916. His father was Elwood Knox. His grandfather, also named George L. Knox, had been a runaway slave. His grandfather wrote a book about his life experiences.
Knox attended Fisk University. He also studied at the University of Pittsburg. In 1942, he married Yvonne Marguerite Wright. They had four children: Adelaide Emma, George L. III, John Elwood, and Craig Streator.
Military Service and Achievements
Joining the Air Force
In October 1941, George Knox joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He trained at the Tuskegee Advanced Flying School. On May 20, 1942, he graduated. This made him one of the first African American combat fighter pilots.
After graduating, he became a 2nd Lieutenant. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in December 1942.
The Tuskegee Airmen
In 1943, Knox joined the 332nd Fighter Group. He became a flight leader. This group was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. Their planes were known for their distinctive "Red Tails."
By 1944, he was a Captain. He was considered the most experienced African American pilot in his squadron. His squadron received two special awards for their achievements.
Freeman Field Incident
In 1945, a difficult situation happened at Freeman Field in Indiana. African American officers were treated unfairly because of their race. They protested these unfair rules. This event is known as the Freeman Field mutiny.
George L. Knox II was chosen to be the president of the court that looked into this incident. He helped oversee the process after Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was dismissed.
After World War II
After World War II, Knox continued his service. He led the AFROTC program at Tuskegee Institute. This program trains future Air Force officers.
By 1946, he held the rank of Major. At the time of his passing in 1964, he was a Lieutenant colonel. He was a professor of air science at Tuskegee.
Awards and Recognition
George L. Knox II received several important awards for his service:
- World War II Victory Medal
- Air force Longevity Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters
- American Campaign Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- Congressional Gold Medal (awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006)
Later Life and Passing
George L. Knox II passed away on November 4, 1964, in Tuskegee, Alabama. He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.
See also
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
