Robert Friend (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lieutenant Colonel
Robert Friend
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| Birth name | Robert Jones Friend |
| Nickname(s) | Bob |
| Born | February 29, 1920 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | June 21, 2019 (aged 99) Long Beach, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943-1971 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards |
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| Spouse(s) |
Anna Rice
(m. 1959; died 2010) |
| Children | 8 |
Robert Jones Friend (born February 29, 1920 – died June 21, 2019) was an American pilot and officer. He was famous for being one of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He also led a special Air Force project called Project Blue Book. Friend served in the military for 28 years, including during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Contents
Early Life and Dreams of Flying
Robert Friend was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 29, 1920. From a young age, he loved airplanes. He dreamed of becoming a pilot for the army. However, at that time, black people were not allowed to fly for the army.
He went to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. There, he studied aviation, which is the science of flying airplanes.
A Long Military Career
During World War II, Robert Friend flew 142 combat missions. This means he flew many dangerous flights in battles.
Joining the Tuskegee Airmen
When World War II started, the army began a special program. This program was just for black pilots in Tuskegee, Alabama. Friend quickly joined and finished his training. The U.S. Army Air Corps made him an officer. He joined the brave pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group. He was sent to Africa and later to Europe to fly missions.
Serving in Other Wars
After World War II, Friend stayed in the military. He later served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was in the military for a total of 28 years. He also studied at the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Leading a Study on UFOs
Robert Friend believed that extraterrestrial life might exist in the universe. He led Project Blue Book. This was a secret study by the U.S. Air Force about UFOs. The project started in 1952 and ended in 1969. Even after the study, 701 reported UFO incidents remained a mystery.
Awards and Recognition
Robert Friend received many important awards for his service:
- 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses
- The Bronze Star Medal
- The U.S. Army Presidential Unit Citation
- 3 U.S. Army Distinguished Service Medals
- The Air Medal
- The Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006
Later Life and Legacy
Lieutenant Colonel Friend passed away on June 21, 2019. He was 99 years old. He died in Long Beach, California. At the time, he was one of only 12 Tuskegee Airmen still alive.
Before he died, he often shared his experiences. He spoke at many events, including at schools. A public viewing and memorial was held for him at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
