Herbert Carter (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herbert Eugene Carter
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| Nickname(s) | Gene, Geno |
| Born | September 27, 1919 Amory, Mississippi |
| Died | November 8, 2012 (aged 93) Opelika, Alabama |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Corps |
| Unit | 99th Flying Training Squadron |
| Awards | Legion of Honour |
| Relations | Mildred Hemmons Carter (wife) |
Herbert Eugene Carter (September 27, 1919 – November 8, 2012) was an American officer in the United States Air Force. He was one of the very first members of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. During World War II, he flew 77 important missions with this brave group.
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Early Life and Family
Herbert Carter was born in Amory, Mississippi, on September 27, 1919. He grew up in a large family with nine brothers and sisters. His father, George Washington Carter, was African-American. His mother, Willie Ann Sykes Carter, was Native American. Herbert's father had an important job in their town. He was in charge of the city's utilities, which was a big deal for a Black man at that time.
Education and Flight Training
When Herbert was sixteen, his parents sent him to Tuskegee, Alabama, to continue his schooling. He lived with his older brother there and worked in his brother's grocery store. After finishing high school, Herbert went to Tuskegee University.
He joined the university's Civilian Pilot Training Program. At first, he wanted to become a veterinarian who flew a plane to visit farms. But after his very first flight, he said, "something bit me." He realized he wanted to be a military pilot instead.
Herbert became a cadet in Class 42-F of the Tuskegee Airmen. This was the fourth group to graduate from the Tuskegee Army Airfield. He was a leader in his class, serving as Cadet Captain.
Marriage to Mildred Hemmons
In 1939, Herbert met Mildred Hemmons at Tuskegee University. She was studying business. Herbert was shy at first, but he found out Mildred was also learning to fly. This gave him the courage to talk to her.
As a cadet, Herbert wasn't allowed to go on dates. So, he found a clever way to see Mildred. He would schedule a "maintenance flight check" on weekends. Then, he would meet Mildred, who flew a rented plane, above Lake Martin nearby. On August 21, 1942, they got married at the Tuskegee Army Airfield chapel.
Serving with the 99th Flying Training Squadron
During World War II, Herbert Carter joined the 99th Flying Training Squadron. He was both a fighter pilot and the Chief of Maintenance. He flew 77 combat missions in North Africa, Sicily, and Europe.
One of the squadron's most important jobs was to protect bombers from enemy planes. The Tuskegee Airmen were so good at this that the bomber crews started calling them the "Red-Tail Angels." This was because of the distinctive red tails on their planes.
In 2004, Herbert Carter received the French Legion of Honour. This award recognized his excellent service to France during World War II.
After the war, on August 7, 2020, the newest airport terminal at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, was named the Colonel Herbert E. Carter Terminal in his honor.
Life After World War II
Herbert Carter served in the United States Air Force for 25 years. He retired in 1969 as a lieutenant colonel. Even while serving in the Air Force, he continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1955 and a master's degree in education in 1969. Both degrees were from the Tuskegee Institute.
After retiring from the Air Force, Carter worked at the Tuskegee Institute. He helped students with admissions, recruiting, and financial aid. Herbert and Mildred Carter were known as the "First Family" of the Tuskegee Airmen because of their deep connection to the group.
Passing Away
Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Carter passed away on November 8, 2012. He was 93 years old. He died at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. At the time of his death, he was the last surviving Tuskegee Airman from Mississippi.
