Alfred Gorham
Tuskegee Airman (1920–2009)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2nd Lt. Alfred M. Gorham (1920–2009) (POW) was a Tuskegee Airman from Waukesha, Wisconsin.[1] He was the only Tuskegee Airman from Wisconsin, and he was a prisoner of war after his plane went down over Munich, Germany in World War II.[2][3]
Alfred M. Gorham | |
|---|---|
2nd lieutenant Alfred Gorham in 1944 | |
| Born | 1920 |
| Died | 2009 (aged 88–89) |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch | United States Army Air Forces |
Service years | 1942-1946 |
Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Commands | 301st Fighter Squadron |
| Awards |
|
Military service
After joining the Army Air Force in 1942[5] Gorham became a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen. He graduated from the Tuskegee University February 8, 1944.[6]
He saw action over Budapest Hungary and shot down two German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Fighters on August 3, 1944.[7]
In 1945 his P-51 had engine trouble over Munich, Germany and he bailed out. He was captured and held by the Germans until the end of the war.[2][8]
Awards
- Purple Heart
- Prisoner of War Medal[2]
- Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tuskegee Airmen in 2006[9]
See also
Personal life
After graduating from Waukesha High School in 1938 Gorham was accepted to Carroll College. However he took a job as a precision tool grinder. He later enlisted in the army and eventually he was accepted to the Tuskegee Airmen.[1]