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Joseph Gomer (pilot) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Joseph Gomer was an amazing American pilot. He was born on June 20, 1920, and passed away on October 10, 2013. Joseph Gomer was famous for being one of the brave Tuskegee Airmen. These pilots were very important during World War II.

Growing Up

Joseph Gomer was born in a town called Iowa Falls, Iowa. This was in the year 1920. He went to college at Ellsworth Community College. He finished his studies there.

A Heroic Pilot

In 1942, Joseph Gomer joined the United States Army Air Forces. He flew many important flights. He completed over 160 special missions. This was between 1942 and 1947.

During World War II, his plane was shot down by an enemy fighter. But he was very lucky and survived! Joseph Gomer became a major in the Air Force. He retired from the military in 1964. After his military career, he worked for the US Forest Service for more than 20 years.

Awards and Recognition

Joseph Gomer received many honors for his hard work.

  • In 1985, he earned the Superior Services Award. This was for his efforts to help minorities and women.
  • In 2004, he was added to the Iowa Aviation Hall of Fame. He also received a special degree from Ellsworth College. It was a Doctorate of Humanities.
  • In 2007, George W. Bush was the president. He gave the Tuskegee Airmen a Congressional Gold Medal. Joseph Gomer was part of this group.
  • He was also invited to events by President Barack Obama.
  • At the Duluth International Airport, a bronze statue was built to honor him. It is in a new part of the airport.
  • In 2013, his hometown of Iowa Falls also honored him. They built a bronze statue of him. It is on the campus of Ellsworth Community College.

His Family and Legacy

Joseph Gomer married Elizabeth Caperton in 1949. They had two daughters named Tanya and Phyllis. Elizabeth passed away in 2012. Joseph Gomer died on October 10, 2013. He was 93 years old. He is remembered as a brave pilot and a true American hero.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Joseph Gomer para niños

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