Herman A. Barnett facts for kids

Dr. Herman Aladdin Barnett III (born January 22, 1926 – died May 27, 1973) was an amazing African-American fighter pilot, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. He made history in 1953 by becoming the first African-American person to graduate from the University of Texas Medical School.

Early Life and School

Herman Barnett was born in Austin, Texas on January 22, 1926. He went to different schools in San Antonio and Austin. He finished high school at Phyllis Wheatley High School in Austin in 1943.

Military Service

In 1944, Herman Barnett joined the military. Because he scored very high on his tests, he was chosen for a special training program. This program was at the Tuskegee Institute. It was the only place that trained black pilots at that time.

As a Tuskegee Airman, Barnett flew with the 332nd fighter group. His time as a pilot ended when the war finished in 1946. He was discharged before he ever flew in combat.

College and Medical School

After leaving the military, Herman Barnett went to Samuel Huston College in Austin, Texas. He graduated with high honors in 1948. He wanted to become a doctor, so he applied to medical schools. He applied to the University of Chicago, Meharry Medical College, and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston. At that time, UTMB was only for white students.

Barnett really wanted to go to UTMB. He was ready to fight for his right to attend. He even joined a protest march in 1949 to support equal rights.

He was accepted to all three schools, including UTMB. This made him the first black student accepted to UTMB. At first, there was a special arrangement. He would technically be a student at Texas State University for Negroes (TSUN). But he would attend classes at UTMB. This arrangement was stopped later. So, on October 12, 1950, Barnett became a regular student at UTMB.

When he started classes in 1948, he had to sit outside the classroom. But Barnett said he didn't face many big problems. He graduated in 1953, becoming the first black graduate from the University of Texas School of Medicine.

Facing Unfair Treatment

The year he graduated, Barnett faced a very unfair situation. On July 12, a sheriff's deputy stopped him. The deputy then beat him until he passed out. When Barnett woke up, he was in a police car. He tried to explain he was a UTMB graduate. This made the officers even angrier. They didn't believe him and thought he had stolen his class ring. They beat him again until he was unconscious.

After this, Barnett was taken to a hospital. A UTMB student recognized him and told others. Barnett was moved to another hospital in Galveston. Even though what happened was wrong, it wasn't properly investigated. Barnett was advised not to take legal action. He agreed, and his fine was paid.

Medical Career

After graduating, Dr. Barnett became a surgeon. He focused on helping people who had been in accidents. He also studied how bodies change during emergencies and after surgery.

Later, he also became an anesthesiologist. This is a doctor who gives medicine to make patients sleep during surgery. He worked at several hospitals in Houston and Galveston. He was even the chief of surgery at Lockwood Hospital in Houston.

In 1968, Dr. Barnett made history again. He was appointed to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. This made him the first African-American person to serve on this board.

He was also a member of the National Medical Association Board of Trustees. In 1972, he was elected to the Board of Education for the Houston Independent School District. In January 1973, he became the president of this board, another first for an African American.

Dr. Barnett was also involved in many other important groups. He was a leader in business and education.

Awards and Honors

• In 1950, he received the Charles A. Pfizer Award.
• In 1969, he got the Outstanding Citizenship Award from the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
• In 1971, he received the Huston-Tillotson Award.
• After he passed away, in 1973, he was given the Distinguished Service Medal of the National Medical Association.

Bronze Eagles Flying Club

In 1968, Dr. Barnett helped start the Bronze Eagles Flying Club. This was a flying club for African Americans. They hold an annual air show called Sky Hook. At the time of his death, Dr. Barnett was the Vice President of this club.

Death

Dr. Herman Barnett died on May 27, 1973. He was in a plane crash in Wichita, Kansas. He was flying to an air show when his plane was caught in strong winds and crashed.

Remembering Dr. Barnett

Dr. Barnett's legacy lives on.

• In 1997, the University of Texas Medical Branch created a special award in his name.
• The Herman A. Barnett Football Stadium in Houston, Texas, is also named after him.