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{{Short description|American Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot (1920–2008)}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
|name=Charles W. Dryden
|name=Charles W. Dryden
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|caption=Charles Dryden (seated) aboard USS ''San Antonio'' <br>(May 2006)
|caption=Charles Dryden (seated) aboard USS ''San Antonio'' <br>(May 2006)
|birth_date= {{Birth date|1920|9|16}}
|birth_date= {{Birth date|1920|9|16}}
|death_date= {{death date and age|2008|6|24|1920|9|16}}<ref name="Rector_20080624">{{cite news |url=http://www.macon.com/149/story/387826.html |archive-url=https://archive.is/20130814070648/http://www.macon.com/149/story/387826.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-14 |date=2008-06-24 |title=Famed Tuskegee Airman dies in Atlanta |first=Gene |last=Rector |publisher=Macon Newspapers |accessdate=2008-06-26}}</ref>
|death_date= {{death date and age|2008|6|24|1920|9|16}}<ref name="Rector_20080624">{{cite news |url=http://www.macon.com/149/story/387826.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130814070648/http://www.macon.com/149/story/387826.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-14 |date=2008-06-24 |title=Famed Tuskegee Airman dies in Atlanta |first=Gene |last=Rector |publisher=Macon Newspapers |accessdate=2008-06-26}}</ref>
| spouse= [[Irma Dryden|Marymal Morgan Dryden Irma “Pete” Dryden]]
| spouse= Marymal Morgan Dryden
| children= Charles a.k.a. Thumper Dryden, Keith Dryden, Eric Dryden, George Bingham, Kenneth Bingham, Tony Bingham, Cornelia-Rose White
| children= Charles a.k.a. Thumper Dryden, Keith Dryden, Eric Dryden, George Bingham, Kenneth Bingham, Tony Bingham, Cornelia-Rose White
| birth_place= [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
| birth_place= [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]
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}}
}}


'''Charles Walter Dryden ("A-Train" Dryden) (September 16, 1920 - June 24, 2008)''' was an [[U.S. Army Air Force]] officer and one of the original combat fighter pilot with the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]], best known as the [[Tuskegee Airmen]], "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots.<ref name="togetherweserved">{{Cite web|title=U.S.A.F. Veteran Online Memorial {{!}} TWS Roll of Honor|url=https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=172037|access-date=2021-07-17|website=airforce.togetherweserved.com}}</ref> Among the [[United States]]' first eight African American combat fighter pilots, Dryden is notable as a member of the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C, the program's 2nd-ever aviation cadet program.<ref name="togetherweserved"/><ref name="CAF2">{{cite web|title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster|url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/|access-date=2020-08-11|website=CAF Rise Above}}</ref>
'''Charles Walter Dryden''' (September 16, 1920 – June 24, 2008) was a [[U.S. Army Air Force]] officer and one of the original combat fighter pilot with the [[332nd Fighter Group]]'s [[99th Fighter Squadron]],a component of the [[Tuskegee Airmen]].<ref name="togetherweserved">{{Cite web|title=U.S.A.F. Veteran Online Memorial {{!}} TWS Roll of Honor|url=https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=172037|access-date=2021-07-17|website=airforce.togetherweserved.com}}</ref> Among the [[United States]]' first eight African American combat fighter pilots, Dryden is notable as a member of the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C, the program's 2nd-ever aviation cadet program.<ref name="togetherweserved"/><ref name=CAF2>{{cite web|title=Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster|url=https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/|access-date=2020-08-11|website=CAF Rise Above}}</ref>


Dryden was one of the first African American U.S. military pilots to engage in aerial combat against an enemy combatant, sharing this honor with [[99th Fighter Squadron]] pilots Sidney P. Brooks, [[Willie Ashley]], Lee Rayford, Leon C. Roberts and [[Spann Watson]].<ref>U.S. Army. "Tuskegee Airmen Soared to New Heights." John J. Kurash, U.S. Army Military History Institute. May 8, 2007. https://www.army.mil/article/3028/tuskegee_airmen_soared_to_new_heights</ref>
Dryden was one of the first African American U.S. military pilots to engage in aerial combat against an enemy combatant, sharing this honor with [[99th Fighter Squadron]] pilots Sidney P. Brooks, [[Willie Ashley]], Lee Rayford, Leon C. Roberts and [[Spann Watson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tuskegee Airmen Soared to New Heights |url=https://www.army.mil/article/3028/tuskegee_airmen_soared_to_new_heights |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=www.army.mil |date=8 May 2007 |language=en}}</ref>


He is the author of the autobiography, ''A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman''.<ref>{{cite book |date=August 2002 |title=A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman |first=Charles W. |last=Dryden |isbn=978-0-8173-1266-4 |page=420 |publisher=University of Alabama Press}}</ref>
He is the author of the autobiography, ''A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman''.<ref>{{cite book |date=August 2002 |title=A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman |first=Charles W. |last=Dryden |isbn=978-0-8173-1266-4 |page=420 |publisher=University of Alabama Press}}</ref>


==Early Life, Family==
==Early life and family==
Dryden was born on September 16, 1920 in [[New York City]].<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref> He was the son of Violet Adina Buckley Dryden and Charles Levy Tucker Dryden, both educators and immigrants from [[Jamaica]] who taught college on the island.<ref> Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/ </ref><ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref><ref> The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021. </ref> His father served as a [[sergeant]] in the Jamaican military during [[World War I]].<ref> The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021. </ref>
Dryden was born on September 16, 1920, in [[New York City]].<ref name=HM>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden|title=Lt. Col. Charles Dryden|publisher=The History Makers|date=20 September 2004|accessdate=21 September 2021}}</ref> He was the son of Violet Adina Buckley Dryden and Charles Levy Tucker Dryden, both educators and immigrants from [[Jamaica]] who taught college on the island.<ref name=BlackPast>{{cite web|url=https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/|title=Charles Walter Dryden (1920-2008)|publisher=Black Past|author=Robert Fikes|date=25 December 2018|accessdate=21 September 2021}}</ref><ref name=HM/><ref name=NGE>{{cite web|url=https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/government-politics/charles-dryden-1920-2008|title=Charles Dryden (1920-2008)|publisher=The New Georgia Encyclopedia|date=12 October 2007|accessdate=21 September 2021}}</ref> His father served as a [[sergeant]] in the Jamaican military during [[World War I]].<ref name=NGE/>


Dryden attended the predominantly white Stitt Junior High School where he served as Class President.<ref> Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/ </ref> He also attended [[Peter Stuyvesant High School]], graduating in 1938.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref><ref> Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/ </ref>
Dryden attended the predominantly white Stitt Junior High School where he served as Class President.<ref name=BlackPast/> He also attended [[Peter Stuyvesant High School]], graduating in 1938.<ref name=HM/><ref name=BlackPast/>


Dryden was married twice, bearing three sons with first wife, Irma Cameron Dryden (1920–2020 (m. 1943), a former [[2nd Lieutenant]] of the Nurse's Corps and graduate of Harlem Hospital School of Nursing’s class of 1942. Dryden shared three stepsons and a stepdaughter with 2nd wife Marymal Morgan Dryden.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>
Dryden was married twice,with three sons from his first marriage and was survived by his wife of over 30 years, Marymal Morgan Dryden, married by Dr.Benjamin E.Mays of Atlanta,ga. They shared three stepsons and a stepdaughter with 2nd wife Marymal Morgan Dryden.<ref name=HM/>


==Military Service, Tuskegee Airmen==
==Military service, Tuskegee Airmen==
⚫
In August 1941, the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] (USAAC) admitted Dryden to its aviation cadet training at the Tuskegee Army Flying School in [[Tuskegee, Alabama]].<ref name=HM/> On April 29, 1942, graduated from the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C - Single Engine Section, earning his silver wings and commission as a [[2nd Lieutenant]].<ref name=HM/> He and fellow graduates, 2nd Lt Sidney P. Brooks and 2nd Lt [[Clarence C. Jamison]], became the first eight African American combat fighter pilots in history.<ref name=CAF2/> He was then assigned to the [[99th Fighter Squadron]], later attached to the [[332nd Fighter Group]]. He earned his nickname "A-Train" from band leader [[Duke Ellington]] famous tune and Dryden's roots in New York City.<ref name=NGE/> He named his [[P-40 Tomahawk]] aircraft, "A-Train.<ref name=Arlington>{{cite web|url=http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwdryden.htm|title=Charles W. Dryden Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force|publisher=Arlington National Cemetery Site by Michael Robert Patterson|accessdate=21 September 2021}}</ref>


⚫
During [[World War II]], Dryden and his squadron flew numerous combat patrol and bomber escort missions in [[North Africa]] and the [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations|Mediterranean Theater]] including Italy and Sicily.<ref name=HM/> On June 9, 1943, he led a flight of six pilots engaging enemy fighter aircraft in aerial combat over Pantelleria, Sicily. It was the first time in aviation history that black American pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps engaged aircraft in combat.<ref name=HM/>
⚫
In August 1941, the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] admitted Dryden to its aviation cadet training at the Tuskegee Army Flying School in [[Tuskegee, Alabama]].<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref> On April 29, 1942, graduated from the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C - Single Engine Section, earning his silver wings and commission as a [[2nd Lieutenant]].<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref> He and fellow graduates, 2nd Lt Sidney P. Brooks and 2nd Lt [[Clarence C. Jamison]], became the first eight African American combat fighter pilots in history.<ref>CAF Rise Above. "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster." https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ . This data derives from CAF Rise Above's research project compiling data from Tuskegee Airmen historians including the Air Force Historical Research Agency.</ref> The [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] subsequently assigned him to the [[99th Fighter Squadron]], later attached to the [[332nd Fighter Group]]. He earned his nickname "A-Train" from band leader [[Duke Ellington]] famous tune and Dryden's roots in New York City.<ref> The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021. </ref> He named his P-40 aircraft, "A-Train.<ref> Arlington National Cemetery Site. "Charles W. Dryden Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force." http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwdryden.htm </ref>


⚫
After he was transferred him back to the United States in [[Walterboro, South Carolina]], Dryden and numerous other African American officers were angered when they saw German prisoners-of-war with greater freedom and access on the racially-segregated base than African-American military members. After performing a low-level flight maneuver over the base in protest, the USAAC court-martialed him.<ref name=BlackPast/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Profiling Heroes: More Tuskegee Airmen Fighter Pilots |url=https://www.lucasfilm.com/news/profiling-heroes-more-tuskegee-airmen-fighter-pilots/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=Lucasfilm |date=27 November 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
During [[World War II]], Dryden and his squadron flew numerous combat patrol and bomber escort missions in [[North Africa]] and the [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations|Mediterranean Theater]] including Italy and Sicily.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref> On June 9, 1943, Lt. “A-Train” (his P-40 nickname) led a flight of six pilots engaging enemy fighter aircraft in aerial combat over Pantelleria, Sicily. It was the first time in aviation history that black American pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps engaged aircraft in combat.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>


⚫
After World War II, he became a professor of Air Science at [[Howard University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redtail.org/airmen/tusk_stories.html#dryden
⚫
After the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] transferred him back to the United States in [[Walterboro, South Carolina]], Dryden and numerous other African American officers were angered when they saw German prisoners-of-war with greater freedom and access on the racially-segregated base than African-American military members. After performing a low-level flight maneuver over the base in protest, the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] court-martialed him.<ref> Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/ </ref><ref> Lucas Films. "PROFILING HEROES: MORE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN FIGHTER PILOTS. THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN HAD TO OVERCOME RACISM FOR A CHANCE TO FLY IN COMBAT - CHARLES W. DRYDEN (1920-2008)." 11.27.20. https://www.lucasfilm.com/news/profiling-heroes-more-tuskegee-airmen-fighter-pilots/ </ref>
⚫
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208074537/http://www.redtail.org/airmen/tusk_stories.html#dryden |archivedate=2007-12-08 |title=Red Tail Project - America's Flying Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen |publisher=Commemorative Air Force|accessdate=2008-06-26}}</ref><ref name=HM/> During his 21 years in the U.S. military, he served in Korea as a reconnaissance pilot, Japan, Germany and several bases in the [[United States]].<ref name=Arlington/><ref name=BlackPast/>


In 1962, he retired from the [[U.S. Air Force]] with the rank of [[Lieutenant Colonel (United States)|lieutenant colonel]].<ref name=NGE/> He logged over 4000 military flight hours during his [[U.S. Air Force]] career.<ref name=HM/><ref name=NGE/>
⚫
After World War II, Dryden became a professor of Air Science at [[Howard University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redtail.org/airmen/tusk_stories.html#dryden
⚫
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208074537/http://www.redtail.org/airmen/tusk_stories.html#dryden |archivedate=2007-12-08 |title=Red Tail Project - America's Flying Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen |publisher=Commemorative Air Force|accessdate=2008-06-26}}</ref><ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref> During his 21 years in the U.S. military, he served in Korea as a reconnaissance pilot, Japan, Germany and several bases in the [[United States]].<ref> Arlington National Cemetery Site. "Charles W. Dryden
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force." http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwdryden.htm </ref><ref> Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/ </ref>


⚫
==Post-military==
In 1962, he retired from the [[U.S. Air Force]] with the rank of [[Lt Colonel]].<ref> The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021. </ref> He logged over 4000 military flight hours during his [[U.S. Air Force]] career.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref><ref> The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021. </ref>
⚫
In 1955, he earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in political science from [[Hofstra University]]. He also earned a master's of arts degree in public law and government from [[Columbia University]].<ref name=HM/>


⚫
He served as a director of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame which inducted him in 1998.<ref name=HM/>
⚫
==Post-Military==
⚫
In 1955, Dryden earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in political science from [[Hofstra University]]. He also earned a master's of arts degree in public law and government from [[Columbia University]].<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>


⚫
In 1997, he authored his autobiographical book, "A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman."
⚫
Dryden served as a director of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame which inducted him in 1998.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>

⚫
In 1997, Dryden authored his best-selling autobiographical book, "A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman."


==Honors==
==Honors==
* In 1996, [[Hofstra University]] awarded Dryden an honorary doctorate.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>
* In 1996, [[Hofstra University]] awarded Dryden an honorary doctorate.<ref name=HM/>
* In 1997, the then-Georgia Secretary of State [[Max Cleland]] designated Dryden the "Outstanding Georgia Citizen."<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>
* In 1997, the then-Georgia Secretary of State [[Max Cleland]] designated Dryden the "Outstanding Georgia Citizen."<ref name=HM/>
* In 2007, then-US President [[George W. Bush]] and the [[US Congress]] awarded Dryden and other surviving airmen the Congressional Gold Medal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Congress, Bush Honor Tuskegee Airmen|date=30 March 2007|website=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2007/03/30/9237362/congress-bush-honor-tuskegee-airmen|access-date=19 January 2024}}</ref>


<gallery>
<gallery>
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</gallery>


==Death==
==Death==
Dryden passed away of natural causes on June 24, 2008 in [[Atlanta, Georgia]].<ref> CAF Rise Above. "Charles W. Dryden." https://cafriseabove.org/charles-w-dryden/ </ref><ref> Arlington National Cemetery Site. "Charles W. Dryden
Dryden died of natural causes on June 24, 2008, in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], at the age of 87.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-15 |title=Charles W. Dryden |url=https://cafriseabove.org/charles-w-dryden/ |access-date=2023-11-14 |website=CAF RISE ABOVE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=Arlington/> Former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador [[Andrew Young]] delivered Dryden's eulogy. Dryden was interred at [[Arlington National Cemetery]], Section 59, Site 3370, in [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[Arlington County, Virginia]].
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force." http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwdryden.htm </ref> He was 87. Former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador [[Andrew Young]] delivered Dryden's eulogy. Dryden was interred at [[Arlington National Cemetery]], Section 59, Site 3370, in [[Arlington, Virginia]], [[Arlington County, Virginia]].


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Tuskegee Airmen]]
*[[List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes]]
*[[List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes]]
*[[List of Tuskegee Airmen]]
*[[List of Tuskegee Airmen]]
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* [[The Tuskegee Airmen|''The Tuskegee Airmen'' (movie)]]
* [[The Tuskegee Airmen|''The Tuskegee Airmen'' (movie)]]


{{Portal|Biography|World War II}}
{{Portal|Biography}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
==External links==


{{Commons category inline|Charles W. Dryden}}
{{Commons category-inline|Charles W. Dryden}}


{{Tuskegee Airmen}}
{{Tuskegee Airmen}}
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[[Category:1920 births]]
[[Category:1920 births]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:Congressional Gold Medal recipients]]
[[Category:People from Atlanta]]
[[Category:People from Atlanta]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Tuskegee, Alabama]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Tuskegee, Alabama]]
[[Category:Stuyvesant High School alumni]]
[[Category:Stuyvesant High School alumni]]
[[Category:Tuskegee Airmen]]
[[Category:Tuskegee Airmen]]
[[Category:Tuskegee University]]
[[Category:Tuskegee University people]]
[[Category:United States Army Air Forces officers]]
[[Category:United States Army Air Forces officers]]
[[Category:Burials at Arlington National Cemetery]]
[[Category:Burials at Arlington National Cemetery]]
[[Category:African-American aviators]]
[[Category:African-American aviators]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American people]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American military personnel]]
[[Category:Hofstra University alumni]]

Revision as of 10:45, 31 July 2024

Charles W. Dryden
Charles Dryden (seated) aboard USS San Antonio
(May 2006)
Nickname(s)"A-TRAIN"
Born(1920-09-16)September 16, 1920
New York City, New York
DiedJune 24, 2008(2008-06-24) (aged 87)[1]
Atlanta, Georgia
Place of burial
Arlington National Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchUnited States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
RankLieutenant Colonel
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsGeorgia Aviation Hall of Fame inductee
Spouse(s)Marymal Morgan Dryden
ChildrenCharles a.k.a. Thumper Dryden, Keith Dryden, Eric Dryden, George Bingham, Kenneth Bingham, Tony Bingham, Cornelia-Rose White

Charles Walter Dryden (September 16, 1920 – June 24, 2008) was a U.S. Army Air Force officer and one of the original combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron,a component of the Tuskegee Airmen.[2] Among the United States' first eight African American combat fighter pilots, Dryden is notable as a member of the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C, the program's 2nd-ever aviation cadet program.[2][3]

Dryden was one of the first African American U.S. military pilots to engage in aerial combat against an enemy combatant, sharing this honor with 99th Fighter Squadron pilots Sidney P. Brooks, Willie Ashley, Lee Rayford, Leon C. Roberts and Spann Watson.[4]

He is the author of the autobiography, A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman.[5]

Early life and family

Dryden was born on September 16, 1920, in New York City.[6] He was the son of Violet Adina Buckley Dryden and Charles Levy Tucker Dryden, both educators and immigrants from Jamaica who taught college on the island.[7][6][8] His father served as a sergeant in the Jamaican military during World War I.[8]

Dryden attended the predominantly white Stitt Junior High School where he served as Class President.[7] He also attended Peter Stuyvesant High School, graduating in 1938.[6][7]

Dryden was married twice,with three sons from his first marriage and was survived by his wife of over 30 years, Marymal Morgan Dryden, married by Dr.Benjamin E.Mays of Atlanta,ga. They shared three stepsons and a stepdaughter with 2nd wife Marymal Morgan Dryden.[6]

Military service, Tuskegee Airmen

In August 1941, the U.S. Army Air Corps (USAAC) admitted Dryden to its aviation cadet training at the Tuskegee Army Flying School in Tuskegee, Alabama.[6] On April 29, 1942, graduated from the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C - Single Engine Section, earning his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.[6] He and fellow graduates, 2nd Lt Sidney P. Brooks and 2nd Lt Clarence C. Jamison, became the first eight African American combat fighter pilots in history.[3] He was then assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, later attached to the 332nd Fighter Group. He earned his nickname "A-Train" from band leader Duke Ellington famous tune and Dryden's roots in New York City.[8] He named his P-40 Tomahawk aircraft, "A-Train.[9]

During World War II, Dryden and his squadron flew numerous combat patrol and bomber escort missions in North Africa and the Mediterranean Theater including Italy and Sicily.[6] On June 9, 1943, he led a flight of six pilots engaging enemy fighter aircraft in aerial combat over Pantelleria, Sicily. It was the first time in aviation history that black American pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps engaged aircraft in combat.[6]

After he was transferred him back to the United States in Walterboro, South Carolina, Dryden and numerous other African American officers were angered when they saw German prisoners-of-war with greater freedom and access on the racially-segregated base than African-American military members. After performing a low-level flight maneuver over the base in protest, the USAAC court-martialed him.[7][10]

After World War II, he became a professor of Air Science at Howard University.[11][6] During his 21 years in the U.S. military, he served in Korea as a reconnaissance pilot, Japan, Germany and several bases in the United States.[9][7]

In 1962, he retired from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel.[8] He logged over 4000 military flight hours during his U.S. Air Force career.[6][8]

Post-military

In 1955, he earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in political science from Hofstra University. He also earned a master's of arts degree in public law and government from Columbia University.[6]

He served as a director of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame which inducted him in 1998.[6]

In 1997, he authored his autobiographical book, "A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman."

Honors

Death

Dryden died of natural causes on June 24, 2008, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 87.[13][9] Former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador Andrew Young delivered Dryden's eulogy. Dryden was interred at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 59, Site 3370, in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington County, Virginia.

See also

References

  1. ^ Rector, Gene (2008-06-24). "Famed Tuskegee Airman dies in Atlanta". Macon Newspapers. Archived from the original on 2013-08-14. Retrieved 2008-06-26.
  2. ^ a b "U.S.A.F. Veteran Online Memorial | TWS Roll of Honor". airforce.togetherweserved.com. Retrieved 2021-07-17.
  3. ^ a b "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster". CAF Rise Above. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  4. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Soared to New Heights". www.army.mil. 8 May 2007. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  5. ^ Dryden, Charles W. (August 2002). A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman. University of Alabama Press. p. 420. ISBN 978-0-8173-1266-4.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden". The History Makers. 20 September 2004. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e Robert Fikes (25 December 2018). "Charles Walter Dryden (1920-2008)". Black Past. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  8. ^ a b c d e "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)". The New Georgia Encyclopedia. 12 October 2007. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  9. ^ a b c "Charles W. Dryden Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force". Arlington National Cemetery Site by Michael Robert Patterson. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  10. ^ "Profiling Heroes: More Tuskegee Airmen Fighter Pilots". Lucasfilm. 27 November 2020. Retrieved 2023-11-14.
  11. ^ "Red Tail Project - America's Flying Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen". Commemorative Air Force. Archived from the original on 2007-12-08. Retrieved 2008-06-26.
  12. ^ "Congress, Bush Honor Tuskegee Airmen". NPR. 30 March 2007. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  13. ^ "Charles W. Dryden". CAF RISE ABOVE. 2015-09-15. Retrieved 2023-11-14.

Media related to Charles W. Dryden at Wikimedia Commons

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