Paul Adams (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant Colonel
Paul Adams
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Paul Adams in 1943
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| Born | August 10, 1920 Greenville, S.C. |
| Died | June 30, 2013 (aged 92) Lincoln, Nebraska |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942—1963 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards |
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| Spouse(s) | Alda Virginia Thompson 1946-2013 (67 years) |
Paul Adams was an amazing American hero. He was born on August 10, 1920, and lived until June 30, 2013. Paul Adams was a brave pilot during World War II. He was part of a famous group called the Tuskegee Airmen. These were the first African American military pilots in the U.S. armed forces.
After the war, Paul Adams became one of the first Black teachers in the public schools of Lincoln, Nebraska. He also led the Lincoln chapter of the NAACP. This group works for equal rights for all people. In 2008, the city of Lincoln honored him by naming a new elementary school after him. The school's mascot is an aviator, which is a pilot!
Contents
Flying High: Paul Adams' Military Service
Paul Adams joined the army in 1942. He started training to become a fighter pilot at Tuskegee University in Alabama. In 1943, he officially became a 2nd Lieutenant. This meant he was an officer in the military.
He was sent to Italy to join the 332nd Fighter Group. This group was made up of the Tuskegee Airmen. They flew important missions during World War II. In 1945, Captain Adams returned to the United States. He left the army for a short time.
In 1947, Adams joined the army again. He continued to serve in different roles. Eventually, he was assigned to Lincoln, Nebraska. He worked there as a Deputy Base Commander. This was an important leadership role at the military base. He stayed in the military until 1963.
Awards and Honors
Paul Adams received several special awards for his service and achievements:
- Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters: This award is given for bravery or special achievements while flying.
- Congressional Gold Medal: In 2006, this high honor was given to all the Tuskegee Airmen.
- President's Honor of Distinction Award: He received this from Doane College in 2007.
Learning and Teaching: Paul Adams' Education and Career
Paul Adams believed in the power of education. He worked hard to get a good schooling.
- He graduated from Sterling High School in 1938.
- He then attended South Carolina State College, graduating in 1941.
- He completed his pilot training at Tuskegee University in 1943.
After retiring from the military in 1963, Paul Adams started a new career. In 1964, he began teaching industrial arts at Lincoln High School. He taught there until 1982. He was one of the very first Black teachers in the Lincoln public school system. He also served as the president of the Lincoln chapter of the NAACP.
Paul Adams' Family Life
Paul Adams was born in Greenville, South Carolina. After finishing college, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force. He flew many missions during World War II as a Tuskegee Airman.
In 1946, Paul Adams married Alda Virginia Thompson. They were married for 67 years! Together, they had three children. In 1962, the Army assigned Adams to Lincoln, Nebraska. He and his family made Lincoln their home. He retired from the military in 1963 and became a beloved teacher.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
