John L. Whitehead Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John L. Whitehead Jr.
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As a Tuskegee airman in 1944
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| Nickname(s) | Mr. Death |
| Born | 14 May 1924 Lawrenceville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | 6 September 1992 (aged 68) Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Riverside National Cemetery
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943–1974 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
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John Lyman Whitehead Jr. (1924–1992) was an amazing American pilot. People called him "Mr. Death." He flew in three big wars: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
John Whitehead was a true pioneer. He was the first African American to finish the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He was also one of the first to teach others how to fly jet planes. Plus, he was the first African American to fly the powerful Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber.
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Becoming a Tuskegee Airman
John Lyman Whitehead Jr. was born in Lawrenceville, Virginia, on May 14, 1924. When he was 18, he started working at Charleston Airport. In 1943, when he turned 19, he joined the United States Army Air Corps.
He was chosen to train as a pilot. John went to Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. There, he became one of the famous Tuskegee airmen. These were African American military pilots who fought in World War II. On September 8, 1944, he earned his pilot's wings. He also became a second lieutenant.
Flying in World War II
In March 1945, Whitehead was sent to Italy. He joined the 301st Fighter Squadron. This squadron was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. All the pilots in this group were African American. They flew fast P-51 Mustang planes.
Whitehead earned his nickname "Mr. Death" because he was very thin. He weighed only 121 pounds! But he liked the name and had it painted on his plane. He flew 19 combat missions before the war in Europe ended in May 1945.
During one mission, 33 German fighters attacked his squadron. Two Mustangs were shot down. Whitehead barely escaped being hit himself. On another flight, German anti-aircraft guns shot holes in his plane's wings. A piece of metal even went through his parachute, very close to him.
A Career of Firsts
After World War II, John Whitehead briefly left the Air Force. He went to West Virginia State University and earned a science degree in 1948. After graduating, he returned to the Air Force.
In June 1949, Whitehead moved to Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. There, he made history. He became the first African American jet pilot instructor. He taught other pilots how to fly powerful jet aircraft.
The next year, he became the first African American pilot to fly the Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber. This was a very advanced plane for its time.
Korean and Vietnam Wars
Whitehead saw combat again during the Korean War. He flew 104 missions in that war. After Korea, he became a test pilot at Northrop Corporation in Utah.
On January 3, 1958, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He was the first African American to complete this difficult training. In the 1960s, he flew combat missions in the Vietnam War. He also served as a commander at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
John Whitehead retired from the Air Force in 1974. He had flown for over 9,500 hours. About 5,000 of those hours were in jet planes. Amazingly, he never had an accident during his long career.
Later Life and Legacy
From 1984 to 1992, Whitehead served as a California State Park Commissioner. A camping area at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park was named in his honor.
John L. Whitehead Jr. passed away in Sacramento, California, on September 6, 1992. He was buried in Riverside National Cemetery. He is remembered as a brave pilot and a true pioneer who broke barriers in the U.S. Air Force.
