Joseph Elsberry facts for kids

Joseph D. Elsberry (born April 25, 1921 – died March 31, 1985) was a brave American military officer and a skilled fighter pilot during World War II. He was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the "Red Tails." These were African-American pilots who fought bravely even though they faced unfair treatment at the time. Elsberry was amazing because he shot down three enemy planes in one day on July 12, 1944. A few days later, on July 20, 1944, he shot down a fourth plane. This made him the first African-American fighter pilot in history to achieve so many victories.

Elsberry was one of the first African-American military pilots in the United States. He eventually became a Major before he retired in 1962. He was one of only four Tuskegee Airmen to shoot down three enemy planes in a single day. The others were Clarence Lester, Lee Archer (pilot), and Harry Stewart.

On September 10, 1944, Brigadier General Benjamin Davis Sr. gave Elsberry a special award called the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is for acts of heroism or amazing achievements during flights. Elsberry received it for his actions on July 12 and July 20, 1944.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Dubois Elsberry was born in Langston, Oklahoma. He was the youngest child and only son of Joseph Dean Elsberry and Beulah Earle Meeks Elsberry. Both of his parents were school teachers. His older sister, Beulah O'Dyne Elsberry Irons, was a talented musician.

Before joining the military, Elsberry studied at Langston University for three years. He is considered one of Langston's most famous residents because of his heroic actions in World War II.

Military Career and the Tuskegee Airmen

Elsberry joined the U.S. Army in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on February 19, 1942.

Before 1942, African Americans were not allowed to become fighter pilots because of widespread racial discrimination in the U.S. military. As the United States joined World War II, the military needed more skilled pilots. African-American newspapers and civil rights leaders asked President Franklin Roosevelt to allow African Americans to become pilots.

In response, the U.S. military started an "experimental" pilot training program for African Americans. This program began in June 1941 at the Tuskegee Army Airfield near Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Elsberry became one of the most famous graduates of this program. He finished his training on September 6, 1942. As a member of the all-African-American 332nd Fighter Group, Elsberry became known as a brave and skilled fighter pilot.

As a Captain, Elsberry led the 301st Fighter Squadron. On June 23, 1944, Elsberry and his squadron flew their P-51 "Mustang" planes. They sank a German destroyer ship in Italy's Trieste Harbor using only their machine guns. Even though the German military denied it, film showed their successful attack.

On July 12, 1944, while protecting bombers in southern Italy, Elsberry shot down three German Focke-Wulf 190 planes in one day. On July 20, 1944, he destroyed another enemy plane, a Messerschmitt 109. His four victories were very close to the number needed to be called an "ace" fighter pilot. Elsberry, along with fellow Tuskegee Airmen Edward L. Toppins and Lee Archer, each destroyed four enemy aircraft.

Elsberry was one of only nine pilots in the 332nd Fighter Group who had at least three confirmed victories during World War II:

• Joseph Elsberry - 301st Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
• Edward L. Toppins - 99th Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
• Lee Archer - 302nd Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills
• Charles B. Hall - 99th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
• Leonard M. Jackson - 99th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
• Clarence D. Lester - 100th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
• Wendell O. Pruitt - 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
• Roger Romine - 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills, 1 Unconfirmed
• Harry Stewart, Jr. - 301st Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills

Elsberry retired from the military in 1962 with the rank of Major.

Later Life

After his military career, Elsberry moved to San Francisco in 1962. He worked for Western Electric Company until he fully retired in 1977.

Joseph D. Elsberry passed away on March 31, 1985, in his San Francisco apartment. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

See also

• Tuskegee Airmen
• 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)