Shelby Westbrook facts for kids

Shelby F. Westbrook (born January 15, 1922 – died August 17, 2016) was a brave pilot. He was one of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. These pilots were African American and flew during World War II.

Growing Up

Shelby Westbrook was born on January 15, 1922. His hometown was Marked Tree, Arkansas. When he was twelve, his parents passed away. Soon after, Shelby moved to Toledo, Ohio. He lived there with his older brother. He went to Libbey High School, which was a school where students of all races learned together. Shelby finished high school in 1939.

Joining the Air Force

Pilot Training

In March 1943, Shelby Westbrook joined the aviation cadet training program. This was at Tuskegee Army Air Field. He knew he did not want to be a foot soldier. Even though he had never flown before, he wanted to be a pilot. On February 8, 1944, he finished his pilot training. He was part of class 44-b. After training, he went to Selfridge Air Field. This base was near Detroit, Michigan. There, Second Lieutenant Westbrook learned to fly single-engine fighter planes.

Combat Missions

Westbrook joined the 99th Fighter Squadron. This group was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. It was one of the first all-Black units. The Army Air Corps formed these units. After more training in South Carolina, the 99th Fighter Squadron went to Italy. This happened in July 1944.

As a combat pilot, he flew 60 missions. These missions were over 12 different countries in Europe. Westbrook was promoted to First Lieutenant. He served in the 332nd Fighter Group from July 1944 to May 1945.

On his 31st mission, his P-51 Mustang plane had engine trouble. Westbrook had to land in Yugoslavia with his wingman. A group of fighters led by Marshal Josip Broz Tito rescued them. They were then sent to meet British intelligence officers. These officers included Randolph Churchill and Evelyn Waugh. About a month later, he was back flying missions.

During a mission over Southern France, Westbrook saw something important. His fellow pilot, Richard Macon, crashed into a building. This happened near Montpellier. The crash happened so fast that the U.S. had no record of it. More than fifty years later, First Lieutenant Westbrook confirmed what happened. He found information in French documents. Macon had crashed into a German command center. Over 40 German officers were inside.

When he had time off, Westbrook visited Naples, Rome, and Vatican City. He even met the Pope when his group visited the Sistine Chapel.

Awards and Honors

Shelby Westbrook received many awards for his service in Europe:

• The Distinguished Flying Cross
• The Air Medal with five Clusters
• The Presidential Unit Citation
• The 15th Air Force Certificate of Valor
• Five Battle Stars

He also shot down a German Bf 109 fighter plane. This happened on October 4, 1944.

In 2007, First Lieutenant Westbrook received the Congressional Gold Medal. This is the highest award a civilian can get from the United States Congress. On November 8, 2013, Westbrook was given the French Legion of Honor. Five other World War II veterans from the Chicago area also received this award. It was for their "extraordinary bravery in liberating France during World War II."

Later Life

Westbrook returned to the United States in 1945. He wanted to go to engineering school. However, the school director turned him down. The school would not accept Black students. After this, Westbrook moved to Chicago. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics. He got this from the American Television Institute of Technology.

He worked as an electrical engineer at W. R. Grace & Co. This company made packaging machines. For 18 years, Westbrook designed different electronic control circuits there. He helped invent a special processing system. This system is still used today.

He was also the editor of a book called Tuskegee Airmen 1941-1945. Shelby Westbrook also wrote his own book. It was called "Bolo Pacha." This book was about a double spy during World War I.

Personal Life

Shelby Westbrook married Lulu Bell Leonard in 1952. They lived in the same house on the South Side of Chicago. They stayed there until her death in 2006.

Death and Legacy

Shelby Westbrook passed away on August 17, 2016.

His important papers are kept at the Chicago Public Library.

See also

• Tuskegee Airmen
• WWII in HD