Alexander Jefferson
Alex Jefferson was born on November 15, 1921 in Detroit, Michigan. He was an
instructor pilot with Tuskegee Airmen and spent over 30 years as a science
teacher with the Detroit School System. Alex graduated in 1942 from Clark
College, Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and
Biology. Graduated from Wayne State University, Detroit with a Masters Degree in
education.
In July, 1944, Alex received his pilots wings at Tuskegee Army Airfield
followed by three (3) months of combat training at Selfridge Field, Michigan. He
was assigned to the 332nd P-51 "Red Tail" fighter group in Ramitelli, Italy.
Alex flew 18 long range missions escorting B-17 and B-24 bombers.
On August 12, 1944, three days prior to the invasion of Southern France,
Alex was shot down by ground fire while strafing radar in the harbor of Toulon.
He was captured by German troops and interned for nine (9) months as a prisoner
of War, spending the first six months in Stalag Luft III east of Berlin. On
January 29, 1945, when the Russians started their offensive, the prisoners were
relocated by 40 & 8 rail cars to Stalag VIIA near Mooseburg, Germany, 20
kilometers north of Dachau. On April 29, 1945 the camp was liberated by Patton's
Third Army. Upon release, Alex traveled down to Dachau to witness the atrocities
committed by the Nazis. Alex returned to the US in 1945 and served as an
instrument instructor at Tuskegee Army airfield until its deactivation in 1946.
Alex was discharged from active duty in 1947. He retired from the Air Force
reserves as a Lt. Colonel in 1969.
Alex earned numerous awards and citations during his tour of duty. To name a
few, the Air Medal, Air Force achievement medal, Prisoner of War Medal and the
Air Force Presidential unit citation.
Alexander Jefferson was enshrined on October 14, 1995 for his many years
serving his country in one of the world's finest combat units, The Tuskegee "Red
Tails" along with his 30 years of dedicated service to the Michigan school
system.
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