John Ellis Edwards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant Colonel
John Ellis Edwards
|
|
|---|---|
John "Ellis" Edwards in a WWII era photo
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Ellis |
| Born | May 17, 1922 Steubenville, Ohio, US |
| Died | June 3, 1979 (aged 57) Steubenville, Ohio, US |
| Buried |
Union Cemetery
|
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service |
|
| Rank |
|
| Unit |
|
| Awards | |
| Relations | Brother Jerome Edwards |
John "Ellis" Edwards (born May 17, 1922 – died June 3, 1979) was a brave American pilot. He was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. These pilots were known for their courage and skill. Edwards flew with the 332nd Fighter Group and earned a special award called the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also flew planes during the Korean War.
Growing Up and Learning to Fly
John Ellis Edwards was born in 1922. His parents were Edward and Willie Edwards. He had a brother named Jerome and a sister named Gwendolyn. His family moved to Steubenville, Ohio. John and his siblings went to Steubenville High School there.
After high school, John and his brother Jerome went to West Virginia State College. This college was one of the first Black colleges to offer a pilot training program. Both brothers joined this program to learn how to fly.
Both brothers became Tuskegee Airmen after finishing their training in Tuskegee, Alabama. Sadly, his brother Jerome passed away during a training exercise on May 7, 1943. This happened when his P-40 plane had a problem during takeoff. His brother's passing was the first for the 332nd Fighter Group.
Flying for His Country
.jpg)
After finishing his pilot training, Edwards became a 2nd Lieutenant on April 8, 1944. He was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, which was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. In 1945, he went to Italy. There, he was based at Ramitelli Air Force Base.
From Ramitelli, he and other Tuskegee pilots flew missions to protect Allied planes. These planes were on bombing runs. On April 1, 1945, Edwards was leading his squadron section. During an escort mission, he shot down two enemy ME-109 planes. For his bravery and skill, Edwards received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After World War II, Edwards was discharged from the military. However, the Korean War soon began. He joined the Air Force again and served in the 332nd Fighter Group. He flew many combat missions in the F86 Sabre jet. He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After the Korean War, he moved to Washington, D.C. Later, he moved to Los Angeles, California.
Awards and Recognition
John "Ellis" Edwards received several important awards for his service:
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation
- Congressional Gold Medal (awarded to all Tuskegee Airmen in 2007)
Edwards' hometown, Steubenville, Ohio, is known as the "City of Murals". There is a special mural along Washington Street in Steubenville. It honors both him and his brother Jerome. Their names are also carved into the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial. This memorial is located in Sewickley Cemetery in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
