Harold Brown (Tuskegee Airman) facts for kids

Harold H. Brown (born August 19, 1924 – died January 12, 2023) was a brave pilot who served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He was part of the famous 332nd Fighter Group, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen. During the war, his plane was shot down, and he became a prisoner of war. After his military service, he became a college administrator.

Becoming a Pilot: Harold Brown's Early Life

Harold Brown was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 19, 1924. From a young age, he loved airplanes and dreamed of flying. He read every book he could find about planes at his local library. Two big inspirations for him were a book called The Life of an Army Corps Cadet and a 1938 movie, The Dawn Patrol.

Young Harold even saved up $35 for flying lessons! Each lesson cost $7, but he ran out of money before he could finish his training. In June 1942, at just 17 years old, he graduated from North High School (Minneapolis).

World War II: Flying with the Tuskegee Airmen

After high school, Harold wanted to become a military pilot. He was a bit too light, so he had to gain some weight to join. Once he reached the required weight, he was accepted into the Tuskegee Institute for flight training.

While training in Alabama, Harold experienced Jim Crow segregation. These laws kept Black and white people separate. To avoid this unfair treatment, he spent most of his time in local Black communities.

On May 23, 1944, at 19 years old, Harold graduated from flight school as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was now a pilot!

A Dangerous Mission and Capture

In 1945, Harold was flying his P-51C plane over Austria. He was on a mission to attack German targets. His plane was hit by shrapnel (pieces of metal) from a destroyed German train. He crashed and was soon surrounded by Austrian and German citizens. Luckily, a German police officer stepped in and took him to a prisoner of war camp. Harold Brown was one of 32 Tuskegee Airmen who were captured during the war. He spent two months as a prisoner.

After the War: Korean War and College

After World War II, Harold Brown continued his military career. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Tokyo and flew missions in South Korea.

In 1965, Harold retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then went to Ohio State University. He earned a degree in mathematics and later a Doctorate in Education. He eventually became a Vice President at Columbus State Community College.

Harold Brown's Civilian Career

After leaving the military, Harold Brown dedicated his life to education. He became the Vice President of academic affairs at Columbus State Community College. He retired from this role in 1986.

In 2017, Harold and his wife wrote a book together called Keep Your Airspeed Up: The Story of a Tuskegee Airman. It tells the story of his experiences during World War II.

Honors and Legacy

Harold Brown passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 98. He received many honors for his service and achievements:

• In 2006, he and the other Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
• In 2013, Heidelberg University gave him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
• In 2017, the University of Findlay also gave him an honorary doctorate.
• In 2020, Harold Brown was inducted into the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame also gave him and his wife the "Writers of the Year" award for their book.

Images for kids

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  During his time in the military Brown flew a P-47N Thunderbolt. The P-47N Thunderbolt was primarily used in the Pacific Theatre.

See also

• List of Tuskegee Airmen
• Military history of African Americans