Vernon Kingsley Sport | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 16, 1923 |
| Died | September 8, 2008(2008-09-08) (aged 85) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army Air Corps |
| Rank | Captain squad commander |
| Unit | Tuskegee Airmen |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tuskegee Airmen |
| Other work | President of the Brockton area naacp |
Vernon Kingsley Sport (July 16, 1923 – September 8, 2008)[1] was an American military aviator and member of theTuskegee Airmen duringWorld War II. In later life he worked for the cause ofaffirmative action.
Vernon Sport enlisted in theU.S. Army Air Corps immediately after graduating from high school. He requested a posting atMoton Field inTuskegee, Alabama, the home field of the Tuskegee Airmen. Each time, he was turned down for lacking a college degree. In retrospect, "it was an exercise in determination. He continuously requested to try out for the airmen. He didn’t have a college education at that time, but he was very well-read," Dr. Alfred Wyatt, Sport's son-in-law, would note later.[1] Eventually, he would prevail, rising to the rank of captain squad commander. After leaving the Air Corps, Sport would earn abachelor's degree fromSuffolk University and amaster's degree fromGoddard College.[1]
Sport moved toMassachusetts, where he worked in the state courts as an affirmative action officer, helping to ensure equal access for African-Americans. He also served on the boards of such notable organizations as theNAACP, theAmerican Heart Association and theAmerican Cancer Society.[1] His son-in-law would later recount, "I think the experience of being with the Tuskegee Airmen prepared him to be a leader."[1]
Sport retired and moved toConyers, Georgia, in 1988, but that didn't stop him from helping others. He worked with anAtlanta-area charity, the Angels of Mercy, which provided food and support to homeless persons, for many years. In 2006 the Tuskegee Airmen, were awarded theCongressional Gold Medal for their service.
Vernon Sport died in Conyers, Georgia, on September 8, 2008, of complications fromAlzheimer's disease. He was survived by his wife, three sisters and four children.[1]
