The Greatest Generation continues to die off.
GEORGE A. TAYLOR 1919-2008
Died June 21st in Chicago. When he left his hometown in Virginia, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps, he didn't tell anyone because so many blacks washed out of the program. He really surprised everyone when he returned with his wings. He became one of the original members of what is now called the Tuskegee Airmen.
His proudest day was when he and the other members were given the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor in 2007. He had a small replica made and wore it around his neck from that moment on.
He flew more than 50 missions with the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group over Italy and was awarded two Bronze Stars, an Air Medal and four battle stars.
CHARLES DRYDEN 1920-2008
Died June 24th. Had a 21-year military career, retiring from the US Air Force in 1962. About 1,000 pilots trained at the segregated Army Air Corps unit at Tuskegee Army Flying School in Alabama during WW II. He was selected in August 1941, four months before the US entered the war. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in April 1842. Just five others had earned their wings before his class of three.
He was a member of the 99th Pursuit Squadron of the 322nd Fighter Group and served in North Africa and Italy.
His P-40 fighter was nicknamed "A-Train". In 2007, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor with almost 300 surviving Tuskegee Airmen attending. He wrote a book about his service, "A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman."
Sadly, he recalled that while stationed in Walterboro, SC, German prisoner got privileges in theaters and cafeterias that were denied to black soldiers.
Two Truly Great Examples of Americans Who Had to Overcome Huge Obstacles to Serve.
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