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{{short description|American fighter pilot}}
{{short description|American fighter pilot (1921–1985)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
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'''Joseph D. Elsberry '''(April 25, 1921 – March 31, 1985) was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and an [[African-American]] [[World War II]] fighter pilot in the 301st Fighter Squadron of the [[332nd Fighter Group]], best known as the famed [[Tuskegee Airmen]], "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots.<ref name=caf> Caf Rise Above. "Joseph Dubois Elsberry". https://cafriseabove.org/joseph-d-elsberry/ </ref> Elsberry destroyed three enemy aircraft over France in a single mission on July 12, 1944, and a fourth aircraft in July 20, 1944, becoming the first [[African American]] fighter pilot to do so.
'''Joseph D. Elsberry '''(April 25, 1921 – March 31, 1985) was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and a prolific [[African-American]] [[World War II]] fighter pilot in the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[301st Fighter Squadron]], best known as the famed [[Tuskegee Airmen]], "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots.<ref name="caf">{{Cite web |date=2019-04-11 |title=Joseph Dubois Elsberry |url=https://cafriseabove.org/joseph-d-elsberry/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=CAF RISE ABOVE |language=en-US}}</ref> Elsberry destroyed three enemy aircraft over France in a single mission on July 12, 1944, and a fourth aircraft in July 20, 1944, becoming the first [[African American]] fighter pilot in history to do so. He is only one of four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat: [[Clarence Lester]], [[Lee Archer (pilot)]], and [[Harry Stewart]].<ref name="tuskegeeairmen.org">{{Cite web |title=The People {{!}} Tuskegee Airmen Inc. |url=https://tuskegeeairmen.org/legacy/the-people/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>


Considered one of the most gifted, most aggressive and fearless fighter pilots within the [[Tuskegee Airmen]], Elsberry was one of the first African-American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Army Air Forces and later the [[U.S. Air Force]], eventually earning the rank of [[Major]] before retiring in 1962.<ref name=caf />
Elsberry was one of the first African-American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Army Air Forces and later the [[U.S. Air Force]], eventually earning the rank of [[Major (rank)|Major]] before retiring in 1962.<ref name=caf />


Elsberry was one of three [[Tuskegee Airmen]] to have come close to achieving the US Military's designation of [[Fighter Ace]].<ref> "THE LEGEND OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ACE." Daniel Haulman, PhD. Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/AFD-141118-043.pdf </ref><ref> The American Fighter Aces Association. "The American Fighter Ace". https://www.americanfighteraces.org/the-aces/ </ref> Elsberry, "Buddy" [[Lee Archer (pilot)]], and [[Edward L. Toppins]] each destroyed four enemy aircraft during [[World War II]] aerial missions in Europe.<ref> Aces of WW2. "Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/ </ref> None of these Tuskegee Airmen ever received credit for the coveted fifth “kill” which would have placed a fighter pilot in the rare “ace” category. <ref> Black Past. "BLACK HISTORY MONTH, 2014: THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN ON BLACKPAST.ORG." https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/tuskegee-airmen-blackpast-org/ </ref><ref> “TUSKEGEE EXPERIENCE”. Theopolis W. Johnson.
Elsberry was one of three Tuskegee Airmen to have come close to achieving the US Military's designation of [[flying ace]].<ref>"THE LEGEND OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ACE." Daniel Haulman, PhD. Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/AFD-141118-043.pdf</ref><ref name="americanfighteraces.org">{{Cite web |date=2018-07-11 |title=The Aces {{!}} American Fighter Aces |url=https://www.americanfighteraces.org/the-aces/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=en-US}}</ref> Elsberry, Lee Archer and Edward L. Toppins each destroyed four enemy aircraft during missions in Europe.<ref>Aces of WW2. "Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/</ref> None of these Tuskegee Airmen ever received a fifth “kill” which would have placed them in the “ace” category.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BlackPast |title=The Tuskegee Airmen on BlackPast.org • |url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/tuskegee-airmen-blackpast-org/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>“TUSKEGEE EXPERIENCE”. Theopolis W. Johnson.
https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/TuskegeeExperience(1).pdf </ref> However, despite some contention, [[Lee Archer (pilot)]] is considered by some as the first and only African American U.S. pilot in [[World War II]] to earn an "ace" designation.<ref> Francis, Charles E. The Tuskegee Airmen. Boston: Bruce Humpries, Inc., 1955. pp. 92, 194. </ref><ref> "Tuskegee Airmen Ace of World War II, Dies." CBS News, January 29, 2010. Retrieved: December 25, 2012. </ref><ref> The History Channel. "Dogfights: The First Tuskegee Ace of WWII.". Feb 17, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr7nzvwm2Z4 </ref>
https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/TuskegeeExperience(1).pdf</ref> However, despite some contention, Lee Archer is considered by some as the first and only African American U.S. pilot in World War II to earn an "ace" designation.<ref>Francis, Charles E. The Tuskegee Airmen. Boston: Bruce Humpries, Inc., 1955. pp. 92, 194.</ref><ref>"Tuskegee Airmen Ace of World War II, Dies." CBS News, January 29, 2010. Retrieved: December 25, 2012.</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=The First Tuskegee Ace of WWII {{!}} Dogfights {{!}} History | date=17 February 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vr7nzvwm2Z4 |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=en}}</ref>


On September 10, 1944, [[Brigadier General]] [[Benjamin Davis Sr.]], the first African American to receive the rank of [[General]] and the father of Tuskegee Airmen commander [[Benjamin O. Davis Jr.]], awarded Elsberry the prestigious [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)]]. Elsberry received this award for single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights on July 12, 1944 and July 20, 1944.<ref> "Distinguished Flying Cross". The Institute of Heraldry: Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the ARMY. Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2013-12-21.</ref> Several major military leaders attended the ceremony including [[Ira C. Eaker]], Commanding General of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, [[Nathan F. Twining]], Commanding General of the 15th Air Force, and [[Dean C. Strother]], Commanding General of the 306th Fighter Wing of the 15th Air Force.<ref name=caf />
On September 10, 1944, [[Brigadier General]] [[Benjamin Davis Sr.]], the first African American to receive the rank of [[General]] and the father of Tuskegee Airmen commander [[Benjamin O. Davis Jr.]], awarded Elsberry the prestigious [[Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)|Distinguished Flying Cross]]. Elsberry received this award for single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights on July 12, 1944 and July 20, 1944.<ref>"Distinguished Flying Cross". The Institute of Heraldry: Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the ARMY. Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2013-12-21.</ref> Several major military leaders attended the ceremony including [[Ira C. Eaker]], Commanding General of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, [[Nathan F. Twining]], Commanding General of the 15th Air Force, and [[Dean C. Strother]], Commanding General of the 306th Fighter Wing of the 15th Air Force.<ref name=caf />


==Early life and family==
==Early life and family==
Born Joseph Dubois Elsberry in [[Langston, Oklahoma]]. Elsberry was the youngest child and only son of Joseph Dean Elsberry (1890–1930), a school teacher and civic leader, and Beulah Earle Meeks Elsberry (1894–1969), a school teacher. He was the younger brother of Beulah O'Dyne Elsberry Irons (1916–1984), an accomplished pianist and organist, and finish tailor.
Born Joseph Dubois Elsberry in [[Langston, Oklahoma]]. Elsberry was the youngest child and only son of Joseph Dean Elsberry (1890–1930), a school teacher and civic leader, and Beulah Earle Meeks Elsberry (1894–1969), a school teacher. He was the younger brother of Beulah O'Dyne Elsberry Irons (1916–1984), an accomplished pianist and organist, and finish tailor.


Prior to joining the military, Elsberry attended [[Langston University]] for three years.<ref name=fold> Fold3 by Ancestry. "Joseph D Elsberry - Facts: World War II · US Army." https://www.fold3.com/page/84801016/joseph-d-elsberry/facts </ref>
Prior to joining the military, Elsberry attended [[Langston University]] for three years.<ref name="fold">{{Cite web |title=Joseph D Elsberry: PERSON, pictures and information |url=https://www.fold3.com/memorial/84801016 |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Fold3 |language=en}}</ref>


Elsberry is considered [[Langston, Oklahoma]]'s most famous resident for his heroics in [[World War II]], shooting down three enemy German aircraft in one day.<ref> Travel Noire. "Three Predominantly Black Towns That Are Still Thriving After The Great Migration." Danielle Dorsey. May 21, 2019. https://travelnoire.com/three-predominantly-black-towns-still-thriving-today </ref><ref> Francis, Charles E. (1997). The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men who Changed a Nation. Branden.</ref>
Elsberry is considered Langston's most famous resident for his heroics in World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noire |first=Travel |date=2019-05-21 |title=Three Predominantly Black Towns That Are Still Thriving After The Great Migration |url=https://travelnoire.com/three-predominantly-black-towns-still-thriving-today |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Travel Noire |language=en}}</ref><ref>Francis, Charles E. (1997). The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men who Changed a Nation. Branden.</ref>


==Military career, fame as Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot==
==Military career, fame as Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot==
Elsberry enlisted in the [[US Army]] in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]] on 19 Feb 1942, receiving Army Serial Number 18086103<ref name=fold />
Elsberry enlisted in the [[US Army]] in [[Oklahoma City, Oklahoma]] on 19 Feb 1942, receiving Army Serial Number 18086103<ref name=fold />


Prior to 1942, African Americans were not permitted to become fighter pilots because of rampant [[racial discrimination]] in the U.S. armed services. As the United States ramped up its involvement in [[World War II]], the U.S. military experienced a severe shortage of skilled, experienced pilots. African American newspapers and civil rights leaders including the [[NAACP]]'s Walter White, Judge [[William H. Hastie]], and [[Pullman Porter]] union leader A. Philip Randolph pleaded with President [[Franklin Roosevelt]] to include African American in aeronautics and the [[United States Army Air Corps]], the [[U.S. Army Corps]]. In response, the U.S. military created an 'experimental' aviator training program for African Americans. <ref> Double Victory: The Tuskegee Airmen at War | Full-Length 90 Min. Documentary | Lucasfilm. Oct 16, 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmcpILi1Rxc. </ref> Some of the way was paved by U.S. Congress' April 3, 1939 Appropriations Bill Public Law 18 which designated funds to train African-American pilots at civilian flight schools.<ref> Francis, Charles E.; Caso, Adolph (1997). The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men Who Changed a Nation. Boston: Branden Books. ISBN 0-82832029-2. Pages 38–9.</ref>
Prior to 1942, African Americans were not permitted to become fighter pilots because of rampant [[racial discrimination]] in the U.S. armed services. As the United States ramped up its involvement in World War II, the U.S. military experienced a severe shortage of skilled, experienced pilots. African American newspapers and civil rights leaders including the [[NAACP]]'s Walter White, Judge [[William H. Hastie]], and [[Pullman Porter]] union leader A. Philip Randolph pleaded with President [[Franklin Roosevelt]] to include African American in aeronautics and the [[United States Army Air Corps]], the [[U.S. Army Corps]]. In response, the U.S. military created an 'experimental' aviator training program for African Americans.<ref>{{Citation |title=Double Victory: The Tuskegee Airmen at War {{!}} Full-Length 90 Min. Documentary {{!}} Lucasfilm | date=16 October 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmcpILi1Rxc |access-date=2023-06-14 |language=en}}</ref> Some of the way was paved by U.S. Congress' April 3, 1939 Appropriations Bill Public Law 18 which designated funds to train African-American pilots at civilian flight schools.<ref>Francis, Charles E.; Caso, Adolph (1997). The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men Who Changed a Nation. Boston: Branden Books. ISBN 0-82832029-2. Pages 38–9.</ref>


This program, initiated in June 1941, began at [[Tuskegee, Alabama]] at the Tuskegee Army Airfield near [[Tuskegee Institute]] (now [[Tuskegee University]]).<ref name=arlington /><ref> National Parks Foundation. "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE INFORMATION." https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/explore-parks/tuskegee-airmen-national-historic-site </ref>
This program, initiated in June 1941, began at [[Tuskegee, Alabama]] at the Tuskegee Army Airfield near [[Tuskegee Institute]] (now [[Tuskegee University]]).<ref name=arlington /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site |url=https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks/tuskegee-airmen-national-historic-site |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=National Park Foundation |language=en}}</ref>


Elsberry became one of the most famous graduates of Tuskegee Army Flying School, graduating with Class 42-H-SE on September 6, 1942. As a member of the all-African American [[332nd Fighter Group]], Elsberry would be considered one of the greatest, most fearless fighter pilots to have graduated from the Tuskegee Army Flying School.<ref name=caf />
Elsberry became one of the most famous graduates of Tuskegee Army Flying School, graduating with Class 42-H-SE on September 6, 1942. As a member of the all-African American [[332nd Fighter Group]], Elsberry would be considered one of the greatest, most fearless fighter pilots to have graduated from the Tuskegee Army Flying School.<ref name=caf />


As a [[Captain]], Elsberry led the 301st Fighter Squadron.<ref> Ace Pilots. The "Tuskegee Airmen: First Group of African-American Fighter Pilots in WW2." Stephen Sherman, Feb. 2000. Updated June 29, 2011. http://acepilots.com/usaaf_tusk.html </ref> On 23 June 1944, Elsberry and his squadron of [[P-51]] “[[Mustang]]” long-range, single-seat fighters sank a German destroyer in Italy's Trieste Harbor employing exclusively 50-caliber machine guns. Though the German military denied destruction of its destroyer at the hands of US fighter pilots, film confirmed the successful attack.<ref name=latimes />
As a [[Captain]], Elsberry led the 301st Fighter Squadron.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen - Facts about the First Black Pilots in WW2 |url=https://acepilots.com/usaaf_tusk.html |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=acepilots.com}}</ref> On 23 June 1944, Elsberry and his squadron of [[P-51]] “[[Mustang]]” long-range, single-seat fighters sank a German destroyer in Italy's Trieste Harbor employing exclusively 50-caliber machine guns. Though the German military denied destruction of its destroyer at the hands of US fighter pilots, film confirmed the successful attack.<ref name=latimes />


On 12 July 1944, Elsberry, while escorting bombers with his squadron in southern Italy, shot down three German [[Focke-Wulf 190]]s in a single day.
On 12 July 1944, Elsberry, while escorting bombers with his squadron in southern Italy, shot down three German [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]]s in a single day.


On 20 July 1944, Elsberry destroyed an enemy Messerschmitt 109 aircraft on his accomplishments were tantamount to those of an “ace” fighter pilot. His 4 kills came very close to meeting US Military designation for a [[Fighter Ace]].<ref> "An American Fighter Ace is a U.S. citizen who has served honorably as a fighter pilot in a U.S. military service or the service of a nation not at war with the United States (or others who flew as a member of a U.S. military service) who has destroyed five or more enemy aircraft in aerial combat." The American Fighter Aces Association. "The American Fighter Ace". https://www.americanfighteraces.org/the-aces/ </ref> Elsberry joined fellow Tuskegee Airmen [[Edward L. Toppins]] and "Buddy" [[Lee Archer (pilot)]] to each destroy four enemy aircraft. <ref> Aces of WW2. "Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/ </ref>
On 20 July 1944, Elsberry destroyed an enemy Messerschmitt 109 aircraft on his accomplishments were tantamount to those of an “ace” fighter pilot. His 4 kills came very close to meeting the designation for an ace.<ref name="americanfighteraces.org"/> Elsberry joined fellow Tuskegee Airmen Edward L. Toppins and Lee Archer to each destroy four enemy aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Tuskegee Airmen |url=https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/ |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=acesofww2.com}}</ref>


A prolific member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Elsberry was one of only nine 332nd Fighter Group pilots with at least three confirmed kills during World War II:
⚫
Elsberry retired in 1962 with the rank of [[Major]].<ref name=latimes> Los Angeles Times. "Joseph Elsberry; One of 1st Black Combat Pilots". APRIL 13, 1985. FROM TIMES WIRE SERVICES. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-04-13-fi-12351-story.html </ref>

* Joseph Elsberry - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
* [[Edward L. Toppins]] - 332nd Fighter Group's [[99th Fighter Squadron]] - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
* [[Lee Archer (pilot)|Lee Archer]] - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills
* [[Charles B. Hall]] - 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron - 3 confirmed kills
* [[Leonard M. Jackson]] - 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
* [[Clarence D. Lester]] - 332nd Fighter Group's 100th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
* [[Wendell O. Pruitt]] - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
* [[Roger Romine]] - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kill, 1 Unconfirmed
* [[Harry Stewart, Jr.]] - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills

He is only one of four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat: [[Clarence Lester]], Lee Archer and Harry Stewart.<ref name="tuskegeeairmen.org"/>

⚫
Elsberry retired in 1962 with the rank of [[Major (rank)|Major]].<ref name="latimes">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1985-04-13 |title=Joseph Elsberry; One of 1st Black Combat Pilots |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-04-13-fi-12351-story.html |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Later life and death==
==Later life and death==
After returning to Oklahoma, Elsberry relocated to San Francisco in 1962, working for Western Electric Company until his final retirement in 1977.
After returning to Oklahoma, Elsberry relocated to San Francisco in 1962, working for Western Electric Company until his final retirement in 1977.


On 31 March 1985, Elsberry had a heart attack and died in his San Francisco, California apartment. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 42, Grave 2804.<ref name=latimes /><ref name=arlington> Arlington National Cemetery. "Tuskegee Airmen." https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/African-Americans/Tuskegee-Airmen </ref>
On 31 March 1985, Elsberry had a heart attack and died in his San Francisco, California apartment. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 42, Grave 2804.<ref name=latimes /><ref name="arlington">{{Cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen |url=https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Notable-Graves/African-Americans/Tuskegee-Airmen |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=www.arlingtoncemetery.mil}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 09:32, 16 May 2024

Joseph Elsberry
Born
Joseph Dubois Elsberry

April 25, 1921
Langston, Oklahoma, US
DiedMarch 31, 1985(1985-03-31) (aged 63)
Los Angeles, California, US
Resting placeArlington National Cemetery
Alma materLangston University
Occupations
  • Military officer
  • fighter pilot
Years active1942-1962

Joseph D. Elsberry (April 25, 1921 – March 31, 1985) was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and a prolific African-American World War II fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron, best known as the famed Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots.[1] Elsberry destroyed three enemy aircraft over France in a single mission on July 12, 1944, and a fourth aircraft in July 20, 1944, becoming the first African American fighter pilot in history to do so. He is only one of four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat: Clarence Lester, Lee Archer (pilot), and Harry Stewart.[2]

Elsberry was one of the first African-American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Army Air Forces and later the U.S. Air Force, eventually earning the rank of Major before retiring in 1962.[1]

Elsberry was one of three Tuskegee Airmen to have come close to achieving the US Military's designation of flying ace.[3][4] Elsberry, Lee Archer and Edward L. Toppins each destroyed four enemy aircraft during missions in Europe.[5] None of these Tuskegee Airmen ever received a fifth “kill” which would have placed them in the “ace” category.[6][7] However, despite some contention, Lee Archer is considered by some as the first and only African American U.S. pilot in World War II to earn an "ace" designation.[8][9][10]

On September 10, 1944, Brigadier General Benjamin Davis Sr., the first African American to receive the rank of General and the father of Tuskegee Airmen commander Benjamin O. Davis Jr., awarded Elsberry the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross. Elsberry received this award for single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights on July 12, 1944 and July 20, 1944.[11] Several major military leaders attended the ceremony including Ira C. Eaker, Commanding General of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, Nathan F. Twining, Commanding General of the 15th Air Force, and Dean C. Strother, Commanding General of the 306th Fighter Wing of the 15th Air Force.[1]

Early life and family

[edit]

Born Joseph Dubois Elsberry in Langston, Oklahoma. Elsberry was the youngest child and only son of Joseph Dean Elsberry (1890–1930), a school teacher and civic leader, and Beulah Earle Meeks Elsberry (1894–1969), a school teacher. He was the younger brother of Beulah O'Dyne Elsberry Irons (1916–1984), an accomplished pianist and organist, and finish tailor.

Prior to joining the military, Elsberry attended Langston University for three years.[12]

Elsberry is considered Langston's most famous resident for his heroics in World War II.[13][14]

Military career, fame as Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot

[edit]

Elsberry enlisted in the US Army in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on 19 Feb 1942, receiving Army Serial Number 18086103[12]

Prior to 1942, African Americans were not permitted to become fighter pilots because of rampant racial discrimination in the U.S. armed services. As the United States ramped up its involvement in World War II, the U.S. military experienced a severe shortage of skilled, experienced pilots. African American newspapers and civil rights leaders including the NAACP's Walter White, Judge William H. Hastie, and Pullman Porter union leader A. Philip Randolph pleaded with President Franklin Roosevelt to include African American in aeronautics and the United States Army Air Corps, the U.S. Army Corps. In response, the U.S. military created an 'experimental' aviator training program for African Americans.[15] Some of the way was paved by U.S. Congress' April 3, 1939 Appropriations Bill Public Law 18 which designated funds to train African-American pilots at civilian flight schools.[16]

This program, initiated in June 1941, began at Tuskegee, Alabama at the Tuskegee Army Airfield near Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University).[17][18]

Elsberry became one of the most famous graduates of Tuskegee Army Flying School, graduating with Class 42-H-SE on September 6, 1942. As a member of the all-African American 332nd Fighter Group, Elsberry would be considered one of the greatest, most fearless fighter pilots to have graduated from the Tuskegee Army Flying School.[1]

As a Captain, Elsberry led the 301st Fighter Squadron.[19] On 23 June 1944, Elsberry and his squadron of P-51 “Mustang” long-range, single-seat fighters sank a German destroyer in Italy's Trieste Harbor employing exclusively 50-caliber machine guns. Though the German military denied destruction of its destroyer at the hands of US fighter pilots, film confirmed the successful attack.[20]

On 12 July 1944, Elsberry, while escorting bombers with his squadron in southern Italy, shot down three German Focke-Wulf Fw 190s in a single day.

On 20 July 1944, Elsberry destroyed an enemy Messerschmitt 109 aircraft on his accomplishments were tantamount to those of an “ace” fighter pilot. His 4 kills came very close to meeting the designation for an ace.[4] Elsberry joined fellow Tuskegee Airmen Edward L. Toppins and Lee Archer to each destroy four enemy aircraft.[21]

A prolific member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Elsberry was one of only nine 332nd Fighter Group pilots with at least three confirmed kills during World War II:

  • Joseph Elsberry - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
  • Edward L. Toppins - 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills, 1 Possible
  • Lee Archer - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 4 Confirmed Kills
  • Charles B. Hall - 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron - 3 confirmed kills
  • Leonard M. Jackson - 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
  • Clarence D. Lester - 332nd Fighter Group's 100th Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
  • Wendell O. Pruitt - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills
  • Roger Romine - 332nd Fighter Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kill, 1 Unconfirmed
  • Harry Stewart, Jr. - 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron - 3 Confirmed Kills

He is only one of four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat: Clarence Lester, Lee Archer and Harry Stewart.[2]

Elsberry retired in 1962 with the rank of Major.[20]

Later life and death

[edit]

After returning to Oklahoma, Elsberry relocated to San Francisco in 1962, working for Western Electric Company until his final retirement in 1977.

On 31 March 1985, Elsberry had a heart attack and died in his San Francisco, California apartment. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 42, Grave 2804.[20][17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Joseph Dubois Elsberry". CAF RISE ABOVE. 2019-04-11. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  2. ^ a b "The People | Tuskegee Airmen Inc". Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  3. ^ "THE LEGEND OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ACE." Daniel Haulman, PhD. Air Force Historical Research Agency. https://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/AFD-141118-043.pdf
  4. ^ a b "The Aces | American Fighter Aces". 2018-07-11. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  5. ^ Aces of WW2. "Tuskegee Airmen." https://acesofww2.com/tuskegee/
  6. ^ BlackPast. "The Tuskegee Airmen on BlackPast.org •". Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  7. ^ “TUSKEGEE EXPERIENCE”. Theopolis W. Johnson. https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/TuskegeeExperience(1).pdf
  8. ^ Francis, Charles E. The Tuskegee Airmen. Boston: Bruce Humpries, Inc., 1955. pp. 92, 194.
  9. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Ace of World War II, Dies." CBS News, January 29, 2010. Retrieved: December 25, 2012.
  10. ^ The First Tuskegee Ace of WWII | Dogfights | History, 17 February 2020, retrieved 2023-06-14
  11. ^ "Distinguished Flying Cross". The Institute of Heraldry: Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the ARMY. Archived from the original on 2013-12-24. Retrieved 2013-12-21.
  12. ^ a b "Joseph D Elsberry: PERSON, pictures and information". Fold3. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  13. ^ Noire, Travel (2019-05-21). "Three Predominantly Black Towns That Are Still Thriving After The Great Migration". Travel Noire. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  14. ^ Francis, Charles E. (1997). The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men who Changed a Nation. Branden.
  15. ^ Double Victory: The Tuskegee Airmen at War | Full-Length 90 Min. Documentary | Lucasfilm, 16 October 2020, retrieved 2023-06-14
  16. ^ Francis, Charles E.; Caso, Adolph (1997). The Tuskegee Airmen: The Men Who Changed a Nation. Boston: Branden Books. ISBN 0-82832029-2. Pages 38–9.
  17. ^ a b "Tuskegee Airmen". www.arlingtoncemetery.mil. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  18. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site". National Park Foundation. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  19. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen - Facts about the First Black Pilots in WW2". acepilots.com. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  20. ^ a b c "Joseph Elsberry; One of 1st Black Combat Pilots". Los Angeles Times. 1985-04-13. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  21. ^ "The Tuskegee Airmen". acesofww2.com. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
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