George R. Bolling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George R. Bolling I
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
George Richard Bolling
August 4, 1920 |
| Died | March 22, 2007 (aged 86) |
| Resting place | Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California |
| Alma mater | Hampton Institute |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1942–1961 |
George Richard Bolling I (born August 4, 1920 – died March 22, 2007) was a brave pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force and later the U.S. Air Force. He was a fighter pilot with the famous Tuskegee Airmen. These pilots were a special group of African-American military aviators. Bolling was one of over 1,000 Tuskegee Airmen pilots.
Contents
Growing Up in Virginia
George Bolling was born on August 4, 1920, in Hampton, Virginia. His parents were Edward A. Bolling Sr. and Georgia A. Bridgeforth Bolling. George had two siblings, a sister named Gladys and a brother named Edward Jr.
Education and Family Life
George went to Whittier Elementary and Phenix High School in Hampton. After high school, he studied engineering at Hampton Institute. He graduated from there in 1940.
George married Dolores Bolling. She was from Apalachicola, Florida. Dolores earned a master's degree in Biology at Ohio State University. As George moved for his Air Force job, their family lived in different places, including Japan.
George and Dolores had three sons: George II, John, and Frank. They also had one granddaughter, Francine.
Military Service as a Tuskegee Airman
George Bolling left Hampton Institute to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. On July 3, 1942, he finished flight school at Tuskegee. He earned his pilot wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant.
After training, he joined the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron. This was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen.
Shot Down Twice
During his combat missions, George Bolling was shot down two times. On July 11, 1943, his plane was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire. He had to bail out of his plane. He landed in the Mediterranean and was rescued by boat after three days.
In 1961, George Bolling retired from the U.S. Air Force. He had reached the rank of Major.
Life After the Military
After leaving the U.S. Air Force, George Bolling started a new career. He joined the U.S. Postal Service in San Jose, California. He worked there for 20 years.
Later Years and Passing
George Bolling passed away on March 22, 2007, in San Jose, California. He was buried at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
