Oliver Goodall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oliver Goodall
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|---|---|
| Born | May 28, 1922 |
| Died | October 30, 2010 (aged 88) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Unit | 477th Bombardment Group |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Oliver Goodall (born May 28, 1922 – died October 30, 2010) was a brave American pilot who served in the military during World War II. He was one of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots who fought for their country. Oliver Goodall also played a part in an important event called the Freeman Field Protest, where soldiers stood up against unfair rules. He remained an active member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. throughout his life.
Contents
Oliver Goodall's Early Life
Oliver Goodall went to the University of Detroit.
He joined the United States Army Air Force in Pasadena. This was the air branch of the U.S. military at the time. He did most of his flight training at Selfridge Field with other members of the 477th Bombardment Group.
The Freeman Field Protest
The Freeman Field Protest was a series of events caused by unfair treatment and racism. It happened because African American soldiers were not treated equally.
What Happened at Freeman Field?
First, the 477th Bombardment Group's home base was changed to a smaller base that was not as well-equipped. Second, the commander at the new base had unfair rules. He did not allow black and white soldiers to talk to each other freely. Third, black officers were not allowed into the officers' club, which was only for white officers.
These unfair rules led to a protest on April 5, 1945. When the last of the troops arrived at Freeman Field, 162 black officers walked into the white officers' club. They entered a few at a time. As they entered, they were all put under house arrest.
Oliver Goodall said about the protest:
"It was unconstitutional, and I wasn't going to take it. We decided to walk into the officers club, and 162 of us were put under house arrest. When the war ended, they wanted to get rid of us, and they started with the troublemakers, which included me."
Even though they were arrested, the officers were later found not guilty. This event was a key moment in the fight against segregation in the military.
See also
- B-25 Mitchell
