Lt. Colonel Charles DeBow | |
|---|---|
 Charles DeBow | |
| Birth name | Charles DeBow |
| Born | (1918-02-13)February 13, 1918 |
| Died | April 4, 1986(1986-04-04) (aged 68) |
| Buried | Calvary Cemetery, Indianapolis |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army Air Force |
| Service years | 1941–1946 |
| Rank | Lt. Colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards | |
| Alma mater | Indiana UniversityHampton Institute |
| Spouse | Jane Priscilla Stuart |
Charles DeBow (February 13, 1918 – April 4, 1986) was an officer in theU.S. Army Air Force and combat fighter pilot and commanding officer of the332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron, best known as the prodigious, all-African AmericanTuskegee Airmen.[1] He was one of the 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.[2][3]
In July 1941, DeBow entered aviation cadet training with theTuskegee Airmen's first class of aviation cadets, Class 42-C-SE.[1] On March 6, 1942, DeBow graduated from aviation cadet training with CaptainBenjamin O. Davis Jr., futureTuskegee Airmen Commander and future U.S. four-star general; 2nd Lt.George S. Roberts ("Spanky" Roberts - September 24, 1918 - March 8, 1984), 2nd Lt.Mac Ross (1912-1944), and 2nd Lt.Lemuel R. Custis (1915–2005).[1] Being among the first five to graduate, they "drew the most sustained attention from the press and the black community as a result."[4]
DeBow was the firstIndiana native and the first of fourteen individuals with anIndianapolis, Indiana, address of record to graduate from the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS).[5]
DeBow was born on February 13, 1918, inIndianapolis, Indiana. He was the son of Charles Henry DeBow (September 17, 1891 - March 1981) ofLebanon, Tennessee, and Anna Sue Horne DeBow (December 25, 1896 - January 1980) of Tennessee.[6] DeBow's parents moved fromTennessee to Indianapolis before DeBow was born.[6]
After graduating fromCrispus Attucks High School, DeBow enrolled atIndiana University.[3] Though DeBow's father wanted DeBow to study medicine to ensure a good living in a segregated society, DeBow transferred toHampton Institute to study business and to enroll in the Civil Pilot training course offered there.[3] After working numerous jobs to save money, Debow dropped out ofHampton University to enlist in the U.S. Army.[3]
DeBow was married to Aurelia Jane Priscilla Stuart DeBow (1926–2017). They had several children. DeBow's son, Captain William DeBow, served as the Commander of the Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center. Daughter Kay DeBow was a co-founder of theNational Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC).[7]
TAFS Roster of Graduates listed DeBow's hometown address as 2043 Boulevard Place, Indianapolis, Indiana.[5]
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On July 19, 1941, DeBow was admitted into theU.S. Army Air Corps Tuskegee Aviation Cadet training program's inaugural class atTuskegee Army Air Field, Class 42-C-SE.[1]
On March 6, 1942, only DeBow and four other cadets graduated from the program: CaptainBenjamin O. Davis Jr., 2nd Lt.Lemuel R. Custis, 2nd Lt.Mac Ross, and 2nd Lt.George S. Roberts ("Spanky" Roberts). Class 42-C-SE created America's first African-AmericanU.S. Army Air Corps pilots.[1][9][10]
DuringWorld War II, DeBow served as squadron commander of the 332rd fighter group's 301st Fighter Squadron.[3] He flew 52 combat missions inWorld War II'sEuropean Theater including aerial coverage forD-Day'sOperation Overlord.[1]
During a mission, DeBow was injured and lost his flight status. DeBow left the military with the rank ofLt. Colonel.[1]
After leaving the military, DeBow returned to the State ofIndiana where earned a Master's degree from alma materIndiana University and another Master’s degree fromButler University.[3] DeBow became an English teacher atIndianapolis, Indiana's Thomas Carr Howe High School where he remained for 10 years. He later became an associate English lecturer atIUPUI until his death on April 4, 1986.[3]
Lieutenants Lemuel Custis, Charles DeBow, George Roberts, and Mac Ross were the first four to graduate, in March of 1942, and drew the most sustained attention from the press and the black community as a result.
