William A. Campbell (Tuskegee Airman) facts for kids

William A. Campbell (April 12, 1917 – April 24, 2012) was an American pilot and military officer. He was a brave member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He flew as a wingman in the very first combat mission of the Tuskegee Airmen. After World War II, he became the Group Commander of the 332nd Fighter Group. Colonel Campbell also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a highly respected officer, reaching the rank of Colonel.

Biography of a Tuskegee Airman

Early Life and Education

William A. Campbell was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on April 12, 1917. He was the fourth of six children. His father, Thomas Monroe Campbell, was the first Cooperative Extension Agent in the United States.

William went to elementary and high school in Tuskegee. He then attended the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. In 1937, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business.

Military Career and World War II Service

After college, Campbell worked for the U.S. Department of Agricultural Extension. He soon found a chance to join the Tuskegee Army Air Field program. He completed his training on July 3, 1942, becoming a second lieutenant.

Campbell was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron. This squadron was led by Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. In 1943, they were stationed in Farjouna, Tunisia.

First Combat Mission

On June 2, 1943, Campbell flew in the 99th Pursuit Squadron's first combat mission. He served as a wingman, flying alongside other pilots. This was a historic moment for the Tuskegee Airmen.

Later, Campbell, Spann Watson, and Herbert V. Clark were sent back to the United States. Their job was to train new pilots. They returned to Europe in 1944.

Joining the "Red Tails"

On October 11, 1944, Captain Campbell rejoined the 99th Fighter Squadron. By then, the 99th FS had joined the 332nd Fighter Group. This group was made up of all-Black squadrons. Their planes had red tails, earning them the nickname "Red Tails."

On October 29, 1944, Campbell became the commander of the 99th Fighter Group. He was promoted to Major.

Earning the Distinguished Flying Cross

Major Campbell received his first Distinguished Flying Cross on January 1, 1945. This award recognized his bravery and skill in combat.

On March 31, 1945, Campbell took part in a mission near Munich, Germany. The 332nd Fighter Group destroyed railroad targets. They also shot down 13 enemy fighters. Campbell was credited with one of these enemy planes.

On April 15, 1945, Campbell flew another important mission. They attacked railroad targets around Munich, Salzburg, and other cities. For his actions, he earned his second Distinguished Flying Cross. He was the first African American pilot to receive this second award.

During World War II, Campbell flew 106 missions. He served in campaigns in Sicily and Italy. He was also the first African-American pilot to drop a bomb on enemy targets.

Post-World War II Service

After World War II, Major Campbell became the Group Commander of the 332nd Fighter Group in 1947. He continued his military career for many years. He served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Campbell retired in 1970 as a full Colonel.

After retiring from the military, Colonel Campbell taught for 13 years. He taught Defense Resource Management at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He was also a member of the Tuskegee Airmen Commission in Alabama.

Family Life

William A. Campbell married Wilma Jean Burton in September 1946. They had three sons: William A. Campbell, Jr., Stephen Campbell, and David Campbell.

Later Years and Legacy

Colonel Campbell passed away on April 24, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 95 years old. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. was renamed in his honor. His personal papers, which tell the story of his military career and the Tuskegee Airmen, were given to the University of California, Riverside.

Awards and Honors

Colonel Campbell received many awards for his service. These include:

• Two Distinguished Flying Crosses
• The Bronze Star
• The Legion of Merit
• 13 Air Medal clusters

Images for kids

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  99th Fighter Squadron patch