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Robert Friend (pilot) facts for kids

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Lieutenant Colonel

Robert Friend
Robert Friend Photo of Tuskegee Airman.gif
Birth name Robert Jones Friend
Nickname(s) Bob
Born (1920-02-29)February 29, 1920
Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Died June 21, 2019(2019-06-21) (aged 99)
Long Beach, California, U.S.
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army Air Force
Years of service 1943-1971
Rank Lieutenant Colonel
Unit 332nd Fighter Group
Awards
Spouse(s)
  • Doris “Bunny” Goodwin (divorced)
  • Kathryn Ann Holland (divorced)
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.

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:

2006 Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal front
Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal front

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

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