Howard Baugh facts for kids
Howard Lee Baugh (born January 20, 1920 – died August 23, 2008) was a brave American pilot. He was part of a special group of flyers called the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. These pilots made history and helped change the military.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Howard Baugh was born in Petersburg, Virginia. He grew up there and later graduated from Virginia State College in 1941.
In March 1942, Baugh joined the U.S. Army. He became an aviation cadet, which meant he was training to be a pilot. He joined a new, all-Black unit at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. This group later became famous as the Tuskegee Airmen. In November 1942, he became a 2nd Lieutenant.
Becoming a Tuskegee Airman
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American military pilots and airmen. They trained at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. At that time, the U.S. military was segregated, meaning Black and white service members were kept separate. The Tuskegee Airmen proved that African Americans could be excellent pilots and leaders.
Out of 996 pilots in the group, 450 went into combat. Howard Baugh was one of them.
World War II Service
Howard Baugh flew 136 combat missions during World War II. He was part of the 332nd Fighter Group, 99th Fighter Squadron. He flew his missions in Sicily, Italy.
The Red Tails
His group was known as the "Red Tails." They earned this nickname because they painted the tails of their airplanes bright red. This distinctive marking made them easy to spot in the sky. The Red Tails were known for their skill and bravery in protecting bombers.
After the War
After World War II ended, Baugh continued his military career. He became a flight instructor, teaching new pilots how to fly. He also served as a commander and helped manage logistics, which means organizing supplies and equipment.
He rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant colonel. In 1967, he retired from the U.S. Air Force.
Honors and Recognition
Howard Baugh received many awards for his service and bravery.
Military Awards
- The Distinguished Flying Cross: A medal given for heroism or extraordinary achievement in flight.
- The Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters: Awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
- The Air Force Medal
- The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
Civilian Honors
- The Howard Baugh Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (2003): A group named in his honor.
- The French Legion of Honor (2004): A very high award given by the French government.
- Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame Members (2006): He was recognized for his contributions to aviation in Virginia.
- The Congressional Gold Medal (2007): This medal was awarded to all the Tuskegee Airmen by President George W. Bush. It is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
His Statue
In November 2018, a life-size statue of Howard Baugh was unveiled. It was sculpted by Antonio Tobias Mendez. The statue is located at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Richmond. This was the first monument in Virginia to honor a Tuskegee Airman. It was also the eighth such monument in the entire U.S. There are plans to move the statue permanently to Petersburg, his hometown.
Family Life
Howard Baugh was married to Constance Layne, who passed away before him. He was survived by his three sons: David P. Baugh, Howard Layne Baugh, and Richard Baugh. He also had two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
