kids encyclopedia robot

Paul Adams (pilot) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant Colonel

Paul Adams
Paul Adams (pilot).png
Paul Adams in 1943
Born (1920-08-10)August 10, 1920
Greenville, S.C.
Died June 30, 2013(2013-06-30) (aged 92)
Lincoln, Nebraska
Service/branch United States Army Air Force
Years of service 1942—1963
Rank Lieutenant Colonel
Unit 332nd Fighter Group
Awards
  • Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.
  • Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen 2006
  • President's Honor of Distinction Award Doane College 2007
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!

Flying High: Paul Adams' Military Service

Tuskegee P-51
The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had special markings. Their planes were known as "Red Tails."

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.

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

kids search engine
Paul Adams (pilot) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.