Wendell O. Pruitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wendell O. Pruitt
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| Born | June 20, 1920 St. Louis, Missouri |
| Died | April 15, 1945 (aged 24) Tuskegee, Alabama |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Wendell Oliver Pruitt (born June 20, 1920 – died April 15, 1945) was a brave American pilot. He was one of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. These were African American military pilots who fought in World War II. Wendell Pruitt was from St. Louis, Missouri. He sadly died during a training flight in 1945. A large housing complex in St. Louis, called Pruitt–Igoe, was named after him and another person, William L. Igoe.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wendell Pruitt grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the youngest of ten children. His parents were Elijah and Melanie Pruitt. He went to Sumner High School.
After high school, he continued his studies at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. While there, he joined a fraternity called Alpha Phi Alpha.
Becoming a Military Pilot
Wendell Pruitt already knew how to fly planes. He joined the Army Air Corps Cadet Flying Program. This program was located in Tuskegee, Alabama. He worked hard and finished his training.
On December 11, 1942, he became a second lieutenant. This meant he was an officer in the military.
Joining the 332nd Fighter Group
After finishing flight school at Tuskegee, Pruitt was sent to the 332nd Fighter Group. This group was first based in Michigan. In late 1943, the 332nd Fighter Group moved to the Mediterranean area to fight in World War II.
There, Pruitt flew a powerful plane called the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Heroic Actions in Combat
In June 1944, Pruitt and his fellow pilot, 1st Lt. Gwynne Walker Peirson, had a big success. They hit an enemy destroyer ship directly. The ship sank in Trieste harbor in northern Italy.
For this brave action, Wendell Pruitt received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is a very important award for pilots. Later, the 332nd group started flying the P-51 Mustang. This was their main fighter aircraft.
The "Gruesome Twosome"
Wendell Pruitt often flew with another pilot named Lee Archer. They became known as the "Gruesome Twosome." They were the most successful pair of Tuskegee pilots in terms of shooting down enemy planes.
Their story is even featured on a History Channel show. It was called Dogfights: Tuskegee Airmen. Pruitt flew seventy combat missions. He was credited with shooting down three enemy planes. He also reached the rank of Captain.
Overall, Wendell Pruitt was one of only nine Tuskegee Airmen pilots. These nine pilots each had at least three confirmed enemy kills during World War II.
His Death
Sadly, Captain Pruitt died on April 15, 1945. He was killed during a training exercise in Tuskegee, Alabama. A student pilot also died in the same accident.
Honors and Legacy
Wendell Pruitt received several honors for his service.
Military Awards
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Distinguished Flying Cross (with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters) |
Things Named After Him
Many things were named in honor of Wendell Pruitt:
- The Pruitt–Igoe Housing Project in St. Louis (named with William L. Igoe).
- A rock on Mars was studied by the Mars Spirit Rover. It was named after him.
- An elementary school and a military school in St. Louis.
- The City of St. Louis, Missouri, declared "Wendell O. Pruitt Day" on December 12, 1944.
See also
- Dogfights (TV series)
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
