WWII Tuskegee Airman Honored

Town Board Member Glenda Jackson recently honored Huntington resident William Slade, for his efforts during Word War II as one of the “Tuskegee Airmen,” are revered group of pilots who contributed to the success of the U.S. military.

According to a press release, Slade, 92, grew up the Raleigh area before attending St. Augustine’s College for two years. He was called to active service in 1941 at Fort Bragg Pope Field. He was later sent to train an airbase in Quero, Texas, but was not allowed to train due to race. He was reassigned to the Tuskegee Airbase in Tuskegee, Ala., where the Army Air Corps established a program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. 

“Mr. Slade and fellow airmen of Tuskegee not only had to battle enemies during wartime, they also battled adversity, racism, prejudices and segregation to prove their ability to serve among the ranks of the armed forces," said Jackson. "I would like to thank and recognize William Slade for all of his personal sacrifices to this great nation that can never be repaid,” added Jackson."