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Raise a glass to the first black ace!
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- Published on Friday, 29 January 2010 14:51
LTC Lee Archer, the first and only Tuskegee airman to become an ace, passed away this week at the age of 90. In 1942 Archer was assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron in Italy flying the P-39. The unit later converted to P-51's and Archer was credited with downing five German aircraft, including 3 Me-109's on one sortie in October 1944. The highly decorated fighter pilot (including the DFC and 18 Air Medals) retired from the USAF in 1970 and was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush in 2007. The 302nd Squadron "Red Tails" is still active, flying F-22's at Elmendorf AFB, AK.
Why do shit-hot guys like LTC Archer never seem to be featured in Black History Month exposés? [Full Obituary]