William H. Holloman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William H. Holloman III
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William Hugo Holloman III
August 21, 1924 |
| Died | June 12, 2010 (aged 86) Kent, Washington, US
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| Resting place | Non-Burial |
| Other names | Bill |
| Alma mater | University of Maryland, University of Washington |
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| Years active | 1942–1972 |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen |
William Hugo Holloman III (August 21, 1924 – June 12, 2010) was an amazing American pilot. He was a brave fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He was a key member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the "Red Tails." These pilots were known for their courage and skill. Holloman also made history as the U.S. Air Force's first African American helicopter pilot.
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Growing Up and Family Life
William Holloman III was born on August 21, 1924. His hometown was Saint Louis, Missouri. His father worked for the US Postal Service for many years. William and his family went to a Catholic church that included different groups of people. He also played baseball on teams with kids from all backgrounds.
Dreams of Flying
When William was a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a pilot. This dream started after Charles Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. Lindbergh's plane was even named the Spirit of St. Louis. At that time, it was very hard for African Americans to become pilots. This was due to widespread racial discrimination.
However, William's parents encouraged his dreams. They tried to protect him from Jim Crow laws. These laws enforced racial segregation. He went to a school just for African Americans. His grandmother was the principal there.
Holloman's Family
Later in his life, William Holloman married Artie Adele Holloman. They had six children together. Their names were William IV, Michael, Christopher, Lesley, Robyn, and Maria.
Military Service and Achievements
When William was 16, he wanted to train as a pilot. He applied to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940. But his mother said no because he was too young.
In August 1942, at age 18, he took a test to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was accepted into the USAAC Reserves in November 1942.
Training at Tuskegee
While waiting to start pilot training, William took college classes. He studied at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. On his way there, he faced a difficult situation. A train conductor tried to force him into a "Jim Crow car." These cars were for African Americans and were often uncomfortable. Luckily, his cousin, a master sergeant, helped him.
On September 8, 1944, William graduated as a pilot. He earned his wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant.
Flying in World War II
Between 1944 and 1945, Lieutenant Holloman flew 19 missions. He flew over Eastern Europe, including Germany and Austria. He helped protect bombers and attacked enemy targets.
After World War II, he became a reservist. He flew crop duster planes in Central and South America. He also flew small commercial planes in Canada.
Making History as a Helicopter Pilot
In 1948, a famous officer named Colonel Benjamin O. Davis Jr. convinced Holloman to return to active duty. This was with the newly integrated U.S. Air Force (USAF). After more training, William Holloman became the USAF's first African American helicopter pilot. This was a huge step forward!
He returned to active duty again in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He trained helicopter pilots in Greenland. He also checked pilot instruments to ensure safety. He became a master aviator, flying over 17,000 hours! In 1972, he retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Life After the Military
After his military career, William Holloman continued his education. He earned a degree in business administration from the University of Maryland. He also earned a history degree from the University of Washington. Later, he even became a professor at the University of Washington.
He also helped with movies about the Tuskegee Airmen. He was an adviser for the 2009 film Resurrecting Moton Field. He also advised director George Lucas for his movie, Red Tails.
Death
William Holloman III passed away on June 12, 2010. He was 85 years old and died from a heart attack in Kent, Washington.
Honors and Recognition
- In 2006, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen. This is a very high honor.
- The Northwest African American Museum in Seattle, Washington has Holloman's flight jacket. He spoke at the museum's opening in 2008.
- In 2010, he gave an inspiring speech to the Portland State University Football Team.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- Military history of African Americans
