Walter I. Lawson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain
Walter I. Lawson
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Walter I. Lawson
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| Birth name | Walter Irving Lawson |
| Nickname(s) | Ghost |
| Born | November 7, 1919 Chancellor, Virginia, US |
| Died | February 26, 1952 (aged 32) Omaha, Nebraska, US |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1952 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards | |
| Alma mater | Hampton Institute, now Hampton University |
| Spouse(s) | Cleo Hightower Lawson |
| Relations | Parents Robert and Lillian Lawson |
Walter Irving “Ghost” Lawson (born November 7, 1919 – died February 26, 1952) was a brave pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was part of the 99th Pursuit Squadron, which was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. This group is famous as the Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the "Red Tails." Lawson was one of the first 34 African American combat fighter pilots in America. He was one of 1,007 pilots who were part of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Early Life and Family
Walter Lawson was born on November 7, 1919, in Chancellor, Virginia. His father, Robert Nelson Lawson, was a pastor. His mother, Lillian M. Redmond Lawson, was a teacher. She had studied at Hampton Institute and Virginia State College.
Walter grew up in Chancellor, Virginia, with his two brothers. Before becoming a pilot, he studied to be an automobile mechanic at Hampton Institute. He was married to Cleo Hightower Lawson.
Military Career and the Tuskegee Airmen
In 1942, Walter Lawson joined the fourth class of cadets at Tuskegee Institute. This was a special training program for African American pilots. In June 1942, he was in a training accident where another pilot died, but Lawson survived.
On August 5, 1942, he successfully finished the pilot program. He earned his wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant. Lawson was one of the first 34 African American combat fighter pilots in the United States. He was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, which was part of the 332nd Fighter Group.
Lawson was among the first group of 99th Fighter Squadron pilots sent overseas. In 1943, he flew important missions over Sicily and Italy during World War II. After the war, he continued to serve in Korea and Japan. By the time of his death in 1952, Walter Lawson had reached the rank of Captain.
Awards
- The Congressional Gold Medal was given to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. This award recognized their bravery and service.
Death
On February 25, 1952, Captain Lawson was on a flight with other crew members. They were flying a Boeing RB-50G Superfortress plane from Hawaii to Puerto Rico.
Early on February 26, 1952, their plane had an accident. It hit a mound of dirt on the runway at Offutt Field in Omaha, Nebraska. The plane skidded and then exploded. Sadly, five crew members, including Captain Lawson, died instantly. Twelve other crew members were injured.
On March 3, 1952, Walter Lawson was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Cleo, and their children. Years later, his family met with a survivor of the crash. This helped them understand what happened and find closure.
See also
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
