Wilfred DeFour facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilfred DeFour
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Wilfred DeFour
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| Birth name | Wilfred DeFour |
| Born | April 12, 1918 Colón, Panama |
| Died | December 8, 2018 (aged 100) Harlem, New York |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Unit | 366th Air Service Squadron and 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards |
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Wilfred DeFour (born April 12, 1918 – died December 8, 2018) was a brave Panamanian-American soldier. He lived to be 100 years old! Wilfred was born in Colón, Panama in 1918. His family moved to the United States when he was a child. They made their home in the Harlem area of New York City.
During World War II, DeFour joined the United States Army. He became an aircraft technician. He was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. This was the first group of African-American pilots and support crew in the air corps. Wilfred DeFour was the last surviving member of this special group when he passed away in 2018.
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Serving His Country in World War II
Wilfred DeFour joined the Air Corps in 1942. After his basic training, he was sent to the 366th Air Service Squadron. In 1943, he was stationed in Italy. He helped keep the planes flying.
In November 2018, DeFour attended a special event. A post office in Harlem was renamed. It was given the name in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Awards and Recognition
- The Congressional Gold Medal was given to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. This is a very high honor from the United States Congress.
Wilfred DeFour's Life and Family
Wilfred DeFour was born in Panama. He moved to New York with his family. After the war, he continued his education. He earned degrees in real estate and business.
He worked for the United States Postal Service. He retired after 33 years of service. DeFour was married to Ruth Christian. She passed away in 2005. They had two children, Wilfred Jr. and Darlene. He was survived by his daughter.
Images for kids
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Wilfred DeFour
