Willie Rogers (Tuskegee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Master Sergeant
Willie Rogers
|
|
|---|---|
Willie Rogers in 1943
|
|
| Birth name | Willie N. Rogers |
| Born | April 12, 1915 Apalachicola, Florida, U.S. |
| Died | November 18, 2016 (aged 101) St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S. |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Master sergeant |
| Unit | 100th Fighter Squadron |
| Awards | |
Master Sergeant Willie Rogers (born April 12, 1915 – died November 18, 2016) was a brave American soldier. He was a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American pilots and support crew during World War II. Willie Rogers was shot twice while serving his country in Italy.
Contents
Willie Rogers: A Tuskegee Airman Hero
Willie Rogers was an important part of American history. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was one of the many brave people who helped win the war.
Serving in World War II
Rogers joined the Army in 1942. He was sent to Europe, where he helped make sure soldiers had the supplies they needed. This job is called logistics.
Wounded in Action
In 1943, while on a mission in Italy, Willie Rogers was hurt. German soldiers shot him twice, once in his stomach and once in his leg. He spent several months getting better in a hospital in London.
Helping at Dachau
After he recovered, Rogers arrived at the Dachau concentration camp in Germany. This was shortly after American troops freed the camp on April 29, 1945. Willie Rogers and other American soldiers helped take stock of everything at the camp.
For many years, Willie Rogers did not tell his family that he was a Tuskegee Airman. He finally shared this important part of his life in 2012. Today, you can see a portrait of Willie Rogers hanging in the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
Special Recognition
The Congressional Gold Medal was given to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. This award is one of the highest honors a civilian can receive in the United States. It recognized their courage and service.
His Path to Learning
Willie Rogers attended two important schools:
- Claflin College of Agriculture and Mechanical Institute
- Tuskegee Institute (in 1942)
Life After the War
After World War II ended, Willie Rogers returned to Florida. He was married and had children. He opened his own business in St. Petersburg, called Rogers’ Radio Sales and Service. He was also a lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Willie Rogers lived a long life, passing away in 2016 at 101 years old from a stroke.
See Also
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
