John Lyle (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Lyle
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John Lyle 1944
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John Lyle
November 18, 1920 |
| Died | January 5, 2019 (aged 98) |
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Branch
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United States Army Air Force |
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Rank
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Flight Officer |
| Unit | 100th Fighter Squadron 332d Fighter Group |
| Awards | |
| Spouse | Eunice (4th wife) |
| Relations | 3 step children |
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Flight Officer John Lyle (1920 – 2019) was an amazing American pilot during World War II. He was part of a famous group of African-American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen. John Lyle flew 26 important combat missions during the war. He also loved sailing his whole life and was even nicknamed Captain Jack!
Contents
John Lyle's Military Adventures
John Lyle grew up in Chicago and finished Englewood High School. In 1943, he decided to join the military. He didn't want to be a soldier on the ground, so he chose to become a pilot instead!
After training at the Tuskegee Institute, he became a Flight Officer. He was sent to Europe to fly missions. He flew 26 combat missions over countries like Italy, Austria, and Germany. John Lyle even named his plane "Natalie" after his first wife. During one mission, he bravely shot down a German Messerschmitt plane!
Honors and Awards
- In 2007, John Lyle received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can get in the United States. It recognized the bravery and service of the Tuskegee Airmen.
His Education
John Lyle attended the Tuskegee Institute and graduated in 1944. This is where he trained to become a pilot.
Life After the War
John Lyle was born and grew up in Chicago. After his time as a pilot, he became a police officer for the Chicago Park District. He also started his own business trimming trees.
John Lyle married Eunice, who was his fourth wife. He was also a stepfather to her three children. He loved sailing and owned seven different boats throughout his life. He enjoyed watching the waves of Lake Michigan from the Jackson Park Harbor Yacht Club.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
