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{{Short description|Former commander of the Tuskegee Airmen}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = George S. "Spanky" Roberts, Sr.
| name = George S. "Spanky" Roberts Sr.
| birth_name = George S. Roberts
| birth_name = George S. Roberts
| birth_date = September 24, 1918
| birth_date = September 24, 1918
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}}
}}


'''George S. "Spanky" Roberts''' (September 24, 1918 - March 8, 1984) was a [[U.S. Army Air Force]] officer and fighter pilot with the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later 99th Fighter Squadron) and the former commander of the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]].<ref name=CAF>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/george-s-spanky-roberts/|title=George S. 'Spanky' Roberts|publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster |url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/|publisher=CAF Rise Above|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref>
'''George S. "Spanky" Roberts''' (September 24, 1918 – March 8, 1984) was a [[U.S. Army Air Force]] officer and fighter pilot with the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later 99th Fighter Squadron) and the former commander of the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]].<ref name=CAF>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/george-s-spanky-roberts/|title=George S. 'Spanky' Roberts|date=18 June 2019 |publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster |url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/|publisher=CAF Rise Above|access-date=11 August 2020}}</ref>


Roberts was the one the first five African American US military combat fighter pilots in history and was also the first African-American US military pilot from West Virginia.<ref> National Park Service. [https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/who-are-the-tuskegee-airmen.htm#:~:text=On%20July%2019%2C%201941%2C%20twelve%20aviation%20cadets%20and,Negro%20pilot%20candidates%20in%20the%20United%20States%20Army "Who Are the Tuskegee Airmen?"]</ref><ref name=Blackthen>{{cite web|url=https://blackthen.com/colonel-george-spanky-roberts-first-tuskegee-airman-west-virginia/|title=Colonel George "Spanky" Roberts: First Tuskegee Airman from West Virginia|author=Jae Jones|publisher=Black Then|date=28 June 2019|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref> Being among the first five to graduate, they "drew the most sustained attention from the press and the black community as a result."<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/soldiersoffreedo0000wrig/page/174/mode/2up?q=%22mac+ross%22 |title=Soldiers of Freedom: An Illustrated History of African Americans in the Armed Forces |publisher=Black Dog & Leventhal |author=Kai Wright |year=2002 |page=174 |isbn=9781579122539 |quote=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.}}</ref>
Roberts was the one the first five African American US military combat fighter pilots in history and was also the first African-American US military pilot from West Virginia.<ref>National Park Service. [https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/who-are-the-tuskegee-airmen.htm#:~:text=On%20July%2019%2C%201941%2C%20twelve%20aviation%20cadets%20and,Negro%20pilot%20candidates%20in%20the%20United%20States%20Army "Who Are the Tuskegee Airmen?"]</ref><ref name=Blackthen>{{cite web|url=https://blackthen.com/colonel-george-spanky-roberts-first-tuskegee-airman-west-virginia/|title=Colonel George "Spanky" Roberts: First Tuskegee Airman from West Virginia|author=Jae Jones|publisher=Black Then|date=28 June 2019|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref> Being among the first five to graduate, they "drew the most sustained attention from the press and the black community as a result."<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/soldiersoffreedo0000wrig/page/174/mode/2up?q=%22mac+ross%22 |title=Soldiers of Freedom: An Illustrated History of African Americans in the Armed Forces |publisher=Black Dog & Leventhal |author=Kai Wright |year=2002 |page=174 |isbn=9781579122539 |quote=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.}}</ref>


Roberts was also the first African American [[U.S. Air Force]] officer to command a racially-integrated unit, achieving this historic milestone at [[Langley Air Force Base]] in 1950.<ref name=CAF/>
Roberts was also the first African American [[U.S. Air Force]] officer to command a racially-integrated unit, achieving this historic milestone at [[Langley Air Force Base]] in 1950.<ref name=CAF/>


==Early life and family==
==Early life and family==
Roberts was born on September 24, 1918 in [[London, West Virginia]], [[Kanawha County]].<ref name=CAF/> Raised in [[Fairmont, West Virginia]] - [[Marion County, West Virginia|Marion County]], he was the son of Spencer Roberts and Estella Roberts.<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Clio>{{cite web|url=https://www.theclio.com/entry/31134|title=The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge|publisher=The Clio|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref>
Roberts was born on September 24, 1918, in [[London, West Virginia]], [[Kanawha County]].<ref name=CAF/> Raised in [[Fairmont, West Virginia]] - [[Marion County, West Virginia|Marion County]], he was the son of Spencer Roberts and Estella Roberts.<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Clio>{{cite web|url=https://www.theclio.com/entry/31134|title=The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge|publisher=The Clio|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref>


In 1934, Roberts graduated from [[Dunbar School (Fairmont, West Virginia)]]. In 1938, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical arts from the [[historically black college and university]] [[West Virginia State College]] (now [[West Virginia State University]]).<ref name=CAF/>
In 1934, Roberts graduated from [[Dunbar School (Fairmont, West Virginia)]]. In 1938, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical arts from the [[historically black college and university]] [[West Virginia State College]] (now [[West Virginia State University]]).<ref name=CAF/>


Roberts married Edith Norle McMillan Roberts (1919–2015) the day after he graduated from Tuskegee's aviation cadet training. Fellow cadet graduate [[Mac Ross]] served as Roberts' best man.<ref name=CAF/>
Roberts married Edith Norle McMillan (1919–2015) literally minutes after his graduation from the Tuskegee aviation cadet training program ceremony. Fellow cadet graduate [[Mac Ross]] served as Roberts' best man.<ref name=CAF/>


== Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen==
== Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen==
Prior to attending Tuskegee, Roberts obtained his pilot's license in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. In July 1941, Roberts was the first cadet accepted into the U.S. Army Air Corps' aviation cadet training program with the Tuskegee Airmen's first class of aviation cadets, Class 42-C-SE,<ref name=CAF/> on March 7, 1942<ref>, although the official records show March 6, 1942, the same date as the white cadet class.</ref> Roberts graduated from aviation cadet training with Captain [[Benjamin O. Davis Jr.]], future Tuskegee Airmen Commander and future U.S. four-star general; 2nd Lt. [[Charles DeBow]] Jr.(Feb 13, 1918 – April 4, 1968);<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/charles-henry-debow-jr/|title=Charles Henry DeBow Jr."|publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref> 2nd Lt. [[Mac Ross]] (1912-1944),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/|title=Mac Ross|publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref> and 2nd Lt. [[Lemuel R. Custis]] (1915 – 2005).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cedarhillfoundation.org/notable-resident/lemuel-r-custis/|title=Lemuel R. Custis - 1915 – 2005|publisher=Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref>
Prior to attending Tuskegee, Roberts obtained his pilot's license in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. In July 1941, Roberts was the first cadet accepted into the U.S. Army Air Corps' aviation cadet training program with the Tuskegee Airmen's first class of aviation cadets, Class 42-C-SE,<ref name=CAF/> on March 7, 1942<ref>, although the official records show March 6, 1942, the same date as the white cadet class.</ref> Roberts graduated from aviation cadet training with Captain [[Benjamin O. Davis Jr.]], future Tuskegee Airmen Commander and future U.S. four-star general; 2nd Lt. [[Charles DeBow]] Jr.(Feb 13, 1918 – April 4, 1968);<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/charles-henry-debow-jr/|title=Charles Henry DeBow Jr.|date=29 October 2019 |publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref> 2nd Lt. [[Mac Ross]] (1912-1944),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/|title=Mac Ross|date=29 October 2018 |publisher=CAF Rise Above|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref> and 2nd Lt. [[Lemuel R. Custis]] (1915 – 2005).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cedarhillfoundation.org/notable-resident/lemuel-r-custis/|title=Lemuel R. Custis - 1915 – 2005|publisher=Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation|accessdate=20 September 2021}}</ref>


During World War II, Roberts was assigned to the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s 99th Fighter Squadron, becoming its first African American commander on June 1, 1942. His squadron served in both North Africa and Italy. He also commanded the entire 332nd Fighter Group before Benjamin O. Davis.<ref name=CAF/>
During World War II, Roberts was assigned to the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s 99th Fighter Squadron, becoming its first African American commander on June 1, 1942. His squadron served in both North Africa and Italy. He also commanded the entire 332nd Fighter Group before Benjamin O. Davis.<ref name=CAF/>


After World World II, Roberts served as the senior Air Corps ROTC instructor at [[Tuskegee Institute]]. In 1950, Roberts became the first African American [[U.S. Air Force]] officer to command a racially-integrated unit at [[Langley Air Force Base]].<ref name=CAF/>
After World War II, Roberts served as the senior Air Corps ROTC instructor at [[Tuskegee Institute]]. In 1950, Roberts became the first African American [[U.S. Air Force]] officer to command a racially-integrated unit at [[Langley Air Force Base]].<ref name=CAF/>


Roberts served during the Korean War, and was stationed in Okinawa. In 1963, Roberts served at Griffiss Air Force Base, managing the U.S. Air Force's ground radar troops. He also served at McClellan Air Force Base. In 1968, Roberts retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel.<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Blackthen/>
Roberts served during the Korean War, and was stationed in Okinawa. In 1963, Roberts served at Griffiss Air Force Base, managing the U.S. Air Force's ground radar troops. He also served at McClellan Air Force Base. In 1968, Roberts retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel.<ref name=CAF/><ref name=Blackthen/>
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==Death==
==Death==
Roberts died on March 8, 1984 in [[Sacramento, California]] at the age of 65. He was interred at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in [[Fair Oaks, California]].
Roberts died on March 8, 1984, in [[Sacramento, California]], at the age of 65. He was interred at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in [[Fair Oaks, California]].


==Legacy==
==Legacy==


The memorial bridge in Robert's hometown of [[Fairmont, West Virginia]] was renamed to honor Roberts.<ref name=Clio/>
The memorial bridge in Robert's hometown of [[Fairmont, West Virginia]], was renamed to honor Roberts.<ref name=Clio/>


==Awards==
==Awards==
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==References ==
==References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Tuskegee Airmen}}
{{Tuskegee Airmen}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Roberts, George S.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Roberts, George S.}}
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[[Category:People from Kanawha County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:People from Kanawha County, West Virginia]]
[[Category:People from Fairmont, West Virginia]]
[[Category:People from Fairmont, West Virginia]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Sacramento, California]]

Latest revision as of 21:52, 3 October 2023

George S. "Spanky" Roberts Sr.
Roberts at the controls of a P-51 Mustang
Born
George S. Roberts

September 24, 1918
London, West Virginia, US
DiedMarch 8, 1985(1985-03-08) (aged 66)
Sacramento, California, US
Burial placeMount Vernon Memorial Park, Fair Oaks, California
Alma materWest Virginia State College now West Virginia State University
Occupations
  • Military officer
  • fighter pilot
Years active1943–1962

George S. "Spanky" Roberts (September 24, 1918 – March 8, 1984) was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and fighter pilot with the 99th Pursuit Squadron (later 99th Fighter Squadron) and the former commander of the 332nd Fighter Group, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen.[1][2]

Roberts was the one the first five African American US military combat fighter pilots in history and was also the first African-American US military pilot from West Virginia.[3][4] Being among the first five to graduate, they "drew the most sustained attention from the press and the black community as a result."[5]

Roberts was also the first African American U.S. Air Force officer to command a racially-integrated unit, achieving this historic milestone at Langley Air Force Base in 1950.[1]

Early life and family

[edit]

Roberts was born on September 24, 1918, in London, West Virginia, Kanawha County.[1] Raised in Fairmont, West Virginia - Marion County, he was the son of Spencer Roberts and Estella Roberts.[1][6]

In 1934, Roberts graduated from Dunbar School (Fairmont, West Virginia). In 1938, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical arts from the historically black college and university West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University).[1]

Roberts married Edith Norle McMillan (1919–2015) literally minutes after his graduation from the Tuskegee aviation cadet training program ceremony. Fellow cadet graduate Mac Ross served as Roberts' best man.[1]

Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen

[edit]

Prior to attending Tuskegee, Roberts obtained his pilot's license in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. In July 1941, Roberts was the first cadet accepted into the U.S. Army Air Corps' aviation cadet training program with the Tuskegee Airmen's first class of aviation cadets, Class 42-C-SE,[1] on March 7, 1942[7] Roberts graduated from aviation cadet training with Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr., future Tuskegee Airmen Commander and future U.S. four-star general; 2nd Lt. Charles DeBow Jr.(Feb 13, 1918 – April 4, 1968);[8] 2nd Lt. Mac Ross (1912-1944),[9] and 2nd Lt. Lemuel R. Custis (1915 – 2005).[10]

During World War II, Roberts was assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, becoming its first African American commander on June 1, 1942. His squadron served in both North Africa and Italy. He also commanded the entire 332nd Fighter Group before Benjamin O. Davis.[1]

After World War II, Roberts served as the senior Air Corps ROTC instructor at Tuskegee Institute. In 1950, Roberts became the first African American U.S. Air Force officer to command a racially-integrated unit at Langley Air Force Base.[1]

Roberts served during the Korean War, and was stationed in Okinawa. In 1963, Roberts served at Griffiss Air Force Base, managing the U.S. Air Force's ground radar troops. He also served at McClellan Air Force Base. In 1968, Roberts retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Colonel.[1][4]

Across his entire career, Roberts flew over 100 missions in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.[4][1]

As a civilian, Roberts worked as a credit officer, training officer, and personal banking officer at Wells Fargo in Sacramento, California. He retired from Wells Fargo in 1982.[1]

Death

[edit]

Roberts died on March 8, 1984, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 65. He was interred at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks, California.

Legacy

[edit]

The memorial bridge in Robert's hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia, was renamed to honor Roberts.[6]

Awards

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "George S. 'Spanky' Roberts". CAF Rise Above. 18 June 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster". CAF Rise Above. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  3. ^ National Park Service. "Who Are the Tuskegee Airmen?"
  4. ^ a b c Jae Jones (28 June 2019). "Colonel George "Spanky" Roberts: First Tuskegee Airman from West Virginia". Black Then. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  5. ^ Kai Wright (2002). Soldiers of Freedom: An Illustrated History of African Americans in the Armed Forces. Black Dog & Leventhal. p. 174. ISBN 9781579122539. 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.
  6. ^ a b "The Colonel George S. "Spanky" Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge". The Clio. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  7. ^ , although the official records show March 6, 1942, the same date as the white cadet class.
  8. ^ "Charles Henry DeBow Jr". CAF Rise Above. 29 October 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Mac Ross". CAF Rise Above. 29 October 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  10. ^ "Lemuel R. Custis - 1915 – 2005". Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
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