John W. Rogers Sr. facts for kids

John W. Rogers Sr. (September 3, 1918 – January 21, 2014) was an American lawyer and military pilot. He was a judge in Cook County, Illinois, and served as an officer and combat fighter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force and U.S. Air Force. He was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the "Red Tails." He was one of 1007 documented Tuskegee Airmen pilots.

He was the father of John W. Rogers Jr., a well-known investor.

Early Life and Education

John W. Rogers Sr. was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 3, 1918. He faced challenges early in life, losing his mother when he was four and his father when he was twelve. After his parents passed away, he and his sisters moved to Chicago to live with their uncle, Henry Tanner, who was a great role model for them.

He went to Tilden Technical High School. In 1941, he earned a bachelor's degree in education from Chicago State University. During this time, he also learned to fly planes and earned a pilot's license through a special training program in Chicago.

Military Service: The Tuskegee Airmen

After getting his pilot's license, John W. Rogers Sr. joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. On August 5, 1942, he completed the Tuskegee Advanced Pilot Cadet program. He was part of an early group of pilots, becoming a 2nd Lieutenant. He was one of the first 34 African American combat fighter pilots in America.

He was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, which was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. He was one of the first 28 pilots from this squadron to go overseas for duty. During World War II, he flew 120 combat missions in Europe. Other pilots respected him as a very skilled dive bomber pilot. After the war, he left the U.S. Army Air Corps with the rank of Captain.

A Career in Law and Justice

After his military service, Rogers Sr. decided to study law. He attended the University of Chicago Law School and graduated in 1948 with a law degree. When he first applied, he was rejected. However, he returned to the admissions office wearing his U.S. Army Air Corps uniform and argued that anyone who served the country in the war deserved to be admitted. The university changed its decision and accepted him. He paid for his studies using money from the GI Bill, which helped veterans with education.

After law school, he and his first wife, attorney Jewel Lafontant, started their own law firm. Later, in 1974, he joined another law firm, Earl L. Neal & Associates, where he worked until 1977.

In May 1977, he was appointed a judge in Cook County. A few months later, he was assigned to the Juvenile Division. He served as a Cook County Juvenile Court Judge for 21 years, helping young people. He retired from the bench in 1998.

Family Life

John W. Rogers Sr. met Jewel Lafontant at the University of Chicago Law School. She was the first African-American woman to graduate from that law school. They married in 1946 and had one child, John W. Rogers Jr., who was born in 1958. Their son became a successful investor and founded Ariel Capital Management.

John W. Rogers Sr. and Jewel divorced in 1961. Later, in 1968, he met Gwendolyn, another University of Chicago graduate. They dated for 33 years before marrying in 2001. He lived for a long time in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois.

Later Years and Passing

John W. Rogers Sr. passed away on January 21, 2014, at the University of Chicago Medical Center. His memorial service was held in Chicago, and he was buried at Oak Woods Cemetery.

Lasting Legacy and Recognition

John W. Rogers Sr. left behind an important legacy:

• In 2007, the entire group of Tuskegee Airmen, including Rogers Sr., received the Congressional Gold Medal, a very high honor.
• In 2012, the University of Chicago Law School named its Admissions Office after him and his first wife, Jewel Lafontant.
• In January 2012, President Barack Obama invited him and other surviving Tuskegee Airmen to the White House to watch the movie Red Tails.
• In 2014, the Illinois House of Representatives honored him and his lasting impact with a special resolution.
• In 2016, a part of 57th Street in Chicago was renamed in his honor.

See also

• List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
• List of Tuskegee Airmen
• Military history of African Americans
• Dogfights (TV series)
• Executive Order 9981
• The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)