Oscar Lawton Wilkerson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
2nd Lieutenant
Oscar Lawton Wilkerson
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Wilkerson in 2015
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| Birth name | Oscar Lawton Wilkerson |
| Born | February 9, 1926 Chicago Heights, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | February 8, 2023 (aged 96) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Rank | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Unit | 617th bombardment squadron |
| Awards | |
| Alma mater | New York University |
Oscar Lawton Wilkerson was an American pilot and radio personality. He was born on February 9, 1926, and passed away on February 8, 2023. He was part of a special group called the Tuskegee Airmen. These were brave African American pilots and their support teams who served during World War II.
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Oscar Wilkerson's Life
Growing Up
Oscar Wilkerson was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, on February 9, 1926. He finished high school at Bloom Township High School in 1944. After graduating, he decided to join the United States Air Force.
Military Service
Wilkerson moved to Tuskegee, Alabama, for his pilot training. He was assigned to the 617th Bombardment Squadron. He became a 2nd Lieutenant and earned his "wings" in 1946. This meant he was officially a pilot.
Even though he completed his training, the war ended before he could fly in combat.
Facing Discrimination
While serving in the Air Force, Wilkerson faced a lot of unfair treatment. This was because the military was segregated at the time. Segregation meant that people of different races were kept separate.
Wilkerson explained that the military didn't really want to use black pilots. He said their goal was for black pilots to fail. On his way to the Tuskegee base, he had to sit in a different train car from white soldiers. At the base, black soldiers had to eat separately and sit apart from white soldiers during movies.
Despite these challenges, Wilkerson and the other Tuskegee Airmen proved they could do military jobs just as well as anyone else. Their actions helped lead to the military becoming integrated, meaning people of all races could serve together.
Life After the Military
After his time in the military, Wilkerson went to New York University. He studied photography there. He also attended the Midwest Broadcasting School and finished in 1960.
He became a DJ for WBEE-AM radio station in Harvey, Illinois. People knew him as "Weekend Wilkie." He also had his own radio show called Wilk's World. Later, he became the community relations director and then the program director for WBEE-AM. He also worked for the radio station WMAQ (AM) until he retired.
Helping Young People Fly
After retiring, Wilkerson spent his time volunteering. He worked with the Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. He helped young people, especially those from minority groups or who were at risk, learn to fly for free. This was part of a program called "Young Eagles."
Personal Life
Wilkerson lived in Markham, Illinois. He passed away on February 8, 2023, just one day before his 97th birthday.
Awards and Recognition
- Congressional Gold Medal: The Tuskegee Airmen, including Oscar Wilkerson, were awarded this high honor in 2006. It recognized their bravery and achievements.
