Walter L. McCreary facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walter L. McCreary
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Walter Lee McCreary
March 4, 1918 |
| Died | December 20, 2015 (aged 97) Columbus, Ohio, US
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| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Columbus, Ohio, US |
| Alma mater | Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) |
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| Years active | 1941–1963 |
Walter Lee McCreary (born March 4, 1918 – died December 20, 2015) was a brave American officer and pilot. He was one of the original fighter pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen. These amazing pilots were among the first African Americans to fly combat planes in U.S. history. Walter McCreary was also a prisoner of war (POW) during World War II.
During one of his missions on October 22, 1944, German anti-aircraft fire shot down his plane. He parachuted to safety near Lake Balaton in Poland. German soldiers captured him and took him to several prison camps. He ended up at a POW camp called Stalag Luft III near Budapest, Hungary. Walter McCreary was held captive for nine months. He was finally set free on April 29, 1945, when General George Patton and his army captured the camp.
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Growing Up and Early Dreams
Walter Lee McCreary was born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 4, 1918. His parents were Daisy Novella McCreary and James Walter McCreary. His father worked for the railroad. Walter went to Phyllis Wheatley High School and graduated in 1935.
After high school, Walter attended Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. He studied Business Administration there. In 1940, after finishing his studies, he earned his civilian pilot’s license. This was through a special program called the Civilian Pilot Training Program.
Walter McCreary married Elaine McCreary in 1942. They had two daughters, Sylvia and Andrea. Later, in 1950, he married Dorothy McCreary. They had three children: twin sons Walter Lee and William Allen (who sadly died as babies) and a daughter named Stephanie. Walter also had three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Flying High: The Tuskegee Airmen
After graduating from Tuskegee Institute, Walter McCreary joined the U.S. Army. On March 25, 1943, he earned his pilot wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant. He then joined the 100th Fighter Squadron, which was part of the famous 332nd Fighter Group. This group was known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
During World War II in Europe, Walter McCreary flew 89 combat missions. He flew different types of planes, including the P-39, P-47, and P-51. He even named his plane "Skipper’s Darling." His missions included protecting bombers and attacking enemy targets. He flew over many countries like France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Romania, Poland, Greece, Hungary, and Yugoslavia.
Shot Down and Captured
On October 22, 1944, during his 90th mission, Walter McCreary's P-51 plane was badly damaged. German anti-aircraft fire, also called flak, hit his aircraft. He had to bail out of his plane near Lake Balaton. After he landed, some angry civilians approached him. Luckily, German soldiers stepped in and captured him.
He was taken to several prison camps. Eventually, he arrived at the well-known German POW camp, Stalag Luft III, near Budapest, Hungary. Walter McCreary's hometown newspaper, the San Antonio Register, even announced his capture on its front page on November 10, 1944.
He was held as a prisoner for nine months. On April 29, 1945, General George Patton's army captured Stalag III. This led to the freedom of all the prisoners, including Walter McCreary.
After World War II ended, Walter McCreary continued his military career. He was transferred to Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio. In 1963, he retired from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Life After the War
After leaving the military, Walter McCreary worked for the Ohio Department of Finance. He retired in 1983 after 20 years. He also volunteered his time as a bookkeeper for his local YMCA in Columbus, Ohio. He continued volunteering until he was 80 years old.
Awards and Recognition
Walter McCreary received many honors for his service:
- In 2006, Tuskegee University gave him an honorary degree. This was a Doctor of Public Service degree.
- Also in 2006, the Tuskegee Airmen as a group were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
- On September 16, 2009, the U.S. Air Force honored Walter McCreary. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award along with other famous pilots like Charles McGee and members of the Doolittle Raiders.
His Final Flight
Walter McCreary passed away on December 20, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. He was 97 years old. He died from heart failure. At the time of his death, he was one of the last living members of the amazing Tuskegee Airmen. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Columbus.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
