Henry Cabot Lodge Bohler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Cabot Lodge Bohler
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Bohler at 17
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| Born | June 8, 1925 Augusta, Georgia |
| Died | August 10, 2007 (aged 82) Tampa, Florida |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Corps |
| Years of service | 1942–1947 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | Tuskegee Airmen |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Air Medal |
Henry Cabot Lodge Bohler (June 8, 1925 – August 10, 2007) was an American hero. He was a brave military serviceman and a successful businessman. He is best known for being one of the famous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He also fought for equal rights in his hometown.
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Henry Bohler's Military Service
Henry Bohler joined the United States Army Air Forces when he was 17 years old. This was during World War II. He trained to be a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen. These were a group of African-American military pilots and airmen. They fought bravely in a time when the military was still segregated.
By the time he earned his pilot's wings in 1944, the war was ending. There was no longer a need for more pilots to fly in combat. He left the service in 1947 as a Second Lieutenant.
Life After the War
After the war, Henry Bohler went to college. He graduated from Hampton University in Virginia. In 1950, he and his family moved to Tampa, Florida.
At first, he faced unfair rules because of his race. He was told he could not start his own business. But Henry Bohler was determined. He worked hard and became Tampa's first African-American licensed electrician. He built a very successful business. He even became one of Tampa's first African-American millionaires.
Fighting for Equal Rights
In 1960, Henry Bohler and his family went to the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. But they were not allowed to enter because they were African-American. This was a time when many public places were still segregated.
Henry Bohler decided to take action. He sued the city of Tampa for this unfair treatment. For two years, while the case was being heard, police often stopped his car. They would demand to check his driver's license. On the day he had to go to court, he was stopped five times!
But Henry Bohler did not give up. He won his case. In 1962, a federal order made Tampa integrate its public places. This meant that everyone, no matter their race, could use places like the zoo.
Later Years and Legacy
Henry Bohler loved to share his story. He often spoke to school groups about his military service. He also attended yearly reunions of the Tuskegee Airmen. He even flew his own Piper Archer airplane to these events.
He stopped flying when he was 80 years old due to health reasons. Henry Bohler passed away on August 10, 2007, in Tampa, Florida. He is remembered as a brave pilot and a champion for civil rights. He showed that with determination, you can overcome challenges and make a difference.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
