Lawrence E. Roberts
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Lawrence E. Roberts | |
|---|---|
 Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts | |
| Birth name | Lawrence Edward Roberts |
| Born | December 9, 1922 Vauxhall, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | October 12, 2004 (aged 81) Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Biloxi National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Service years | 1943–1975 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 477th Medium Bombardment Group 332d Fighter Wing |
| Conflicts | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
Lawrence Edward Roberts (December 9, 1922 – October 12, 2004) was an American pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen and a colonel in the United States Air Force,[1] with 32 years of total military service.[2] He is the father of newscaster Robin René Roberts and Sally-Ann Roberts.[3]
Roberts was born on December 9, 1922, in the Vauxhall section of Union Township, Union County, New Jersey.[2] He was married to Lucimarian Tolliver for 57 years. They had four children: Lawrence E. Roberts II, Sally-Ann Roberts Nabonne, Dorothy Roberts, and Robin Roberts.[3][4] Roberts was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.[5]
Roberts attended Howard University, received his bachelor's from Morningside College, and received his master's degree from the Tuskegee Institute.[6]
Military service
Roberts entered the United States Army Air Corps at Keesler Air Force Base in 1943. He was assigned to the Tuskegee Airmen program in 1944. Roberts flew Piper Cubs, North American B-25 Mitchell bombers, Douglas C-54 Skymaster transports and North American F-86 Sabre fighter jets.[2] Roberts also served as an instructor in Tuskegee University's Air Force ROTC program from 1958 to 1960.[3]
He served in the Vietnam War and received 18 service medals and awards.[2]
