Lawrence E. Roberts facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lawrence E. Roberts
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Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts
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| Birth name | Lawrence Edward Roberts |
| Born | December 9, 1922 Vauxhall, New Jersey |
| Died | October 12, 2004 (aged 81) Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Place of burial |
Biloxi National Cemetery
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943–1975 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 477th Medium Bombardment Group 332d Fighter Wing |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
Lawrence Edward Roberts Sr. was an amazing pilot and a brave soldier. He was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots who flew during World War II. Colonel Roberts served in the United States Air Force for 32 years. He was also the father of well-known TV newscasters Robin Roberts and Sally-Ann Roberts.
About His Life
Lawrence Roberts was born in Vauxhall, New Jersey in 1922. He was married to Lucimarian Tolliver for 57 years. They had four children: Lawrence Jr., Sally-Ann Roberts, Dorothy, and Robin. He taught his children to live their lives without limits.
Roberts went to Howard University and later earned degrees from Morningside College and the Tuskegee Institute.
Military Service
Roberts joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1943. In 1944, he became part of the special Tuskegee Airmen program. He flew many different types of airplanes, including bombers and fighter jets.
From 1958 to 1960, Roberts also taught students in the Air Force ROTC program at Tuskegee University. He served in the Vietnam War and received 18 medals and awards for his service.
After His Military Career
After retiring from the Air Force, Roberts helped start the Keesler Air Force Base Gospel Service. This is the oldest Gospel service in the United States Air Force. The only Mississippi chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen Club was named in his honor.
Colonel Roberts passed away at his home in Biloxi, Mississippi in 2004, at the age of 81. He was buried with full military honors.
Honoring His Legacy
After his death, Lawrence Roberts received many awards. In 2004, the Mississippi Legislature honored his life with a special resolution. On March 29, 2007, he was given the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards a civilian can receive in the United States.
President George W. Bush honored Roberts and the Tuskegee Airmen for their bravery and for helping to convince President Harry S. Truman to end segregation in the armed forces. This meant that people of all races could serve together.
In 2009, a sculpture was made in his honor in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Also, a new building at Keesler Air Force Base was named after him. His daughter, Robin Roberts, even produced a documentary about the Tuskegee Airmen called Tuskegee Airmen: Legacy of Courage.
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- Freeman Field Mutiny
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
