George S. Roberts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George S. "Spanky" Roberts, Sr.
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Roberts at the controls of a P-51 Mustang
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George S. Roberts
September 24, 1918 |
| Died | March 8, 1985 (aged 66) |
| Burial place | Mount Vernon Memorial Park, Fair Oaks, California |
| Alma mater | West Virginia State College now West Virginia State University |
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| Years active | 1943–1962 |
George S. "Spanky" Roberts (September 24, 1918 – March 8, 1984) was an important American military officer. He was a brave fighter pilot during World War II. Roberts was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. This group was made up of the first African American military pilots.
Roberts was one of the first five African American combat fighter pilots in U.S. history. He was also the first African American pilot from West Virginia. These first five pilots received a lot of attention from the public. Later, in 1950, Roberts became the first African American officer to lead a military unit that included both Black and white soldiers. This was a very important step towards equality in the military.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George S. Roberts was born on September 24, 1918. His hometown was London, West Virginia, in Kanawha County. He grew up in Fairmont, West Virginia. His parents were Spencer and Estella Roberts.
In 1934, Roberts finished school at Dunbar School (Fairmont, West Virginia). He then went to West Virginia State College. This college is a historically black college and university. In 1938, he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical arts.
Roberts married Edith Norle McMillan (1919–2015). They got married right after he graduated from his pilot training program. His friend, Mac Ross, was his best man.
Military Career and the Tuskegee Airmen
Before joining the military, Roberts learned to fly. He got his pilot's license through a special training program. In July 1941, Roberts was the first person accepted into the U.S. Army Air Corps' pilot training program. This program was for the Tuskegee Airmen.
On March 7, 1942, Roberts finished his pilot training. He graduated with other famous pilots. These included Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who later became a four-star general. Other graduates were 2nd Lt. Charles DeBow Jr., 2nd Lt. Mac Ross, and 2nd Lt. Lemuel R. Custis.
World War II Service
During World War II, Roberts joined the 332nd Fighter Group. He became the first African American commander of its 99th Fighter Squadron on June 1, 1942. His squadron flew missions in North Africa and Italy. He also commanded the entire 332nd Fighter Group for a time.
After the War
After World War II, Roberts taught at Tuskegee Institute. He was a senior instructor for the Air Corps ROTC program. In 1950, Roberts made history again. He became the first African American U.S. Air Force officer to lead a unit with both Black and white members. This happened at Langley Air Force Base.
Roberts also served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa. In 1963, he worked at Griffiss Air Force Base. There, he managed the U.S. Air Force's ground radar troops. He also served at McClellan Air Force Base. In 1968, Roberts retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel.
Throughout his military career, Roberts flew over 100 missions. These missions took him across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Civilian Life
After retiring from the Air Force, Roberts worked as a civilian. He was a credit officer and a personal banking officer at Wells Fargo bank. This was in Sacramento, California. He retired from Wells Fargo in 1982.
Death and Legacy
George S. Roberts passed away on March 8, 1984. He was 65 years old. He died in Sacramento, California. He was buried at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks, California.
To honor Roberts, a bridge in his hometown was renamed. The memorial bridge in Fairmont, West Virginia now carries his name.
Awards
- Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak clusters
- Two Presidential Citations
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
