Richard Cornelius Caesar (1918 - 2011)

Born 12 Apr 1918 in Beirne, Clark, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Lois Bernard (Towles) Ceaser — married 6 Jun 1956 in San Francisco, California, United States

Died 20 Dec 2011 at age 93 in Foster City, San Mateo, California, United States

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Biography

Richard Caesar is a part of US Black heritage.

Richard Caesar is Notable.

Richard Caesar served in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II
Service started: 6 Sep 1942
Unit(s): 332nd Fighter Group
Service ended: 8 May 1945

Richard Cornelius Caesar is notable for his groundbreaking achievements as one of the first 50 African American combat fighter pilots in history, serving with distinction during World War II as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen. His bravery and skill as a pilot, highlighted by heroic acts such as saving a fellow pilot from a potentially fatal crash, underscore his contributions to the war effort. Beyond his military service, Caesar's commitment to dentistry and his extensive involvement in civic and philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the San Francisco metropolitan area, further solidify his legacy. His dedication to mentorship, community support, and philanthropy exemplifies his lasting impact on both the African American community and the broader society, making him a revered figure in American history.^[1]

Richard Cornelius Caesar was born on April 12, 1918, in Beirne, Clark County, Arkansas, to Robert Cornelius Caesar and Lenora (Campbell) Caesar.^[2] Growing up, he lived in Carlton Township, Chicot County, Arkansas, where he completed his high school education.^[3][4]

Caesar's pursuit of higher education led him to Arkansas State College for his initial studies. He later graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1940, where he was initiated into the Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Following his graduation, Caesar enlisted in the Tuskegee Flight School, completing his training on September 6, 1942. This marked the beginning of his remarkable career as one of the first 50 African American combat fighter pilots in history.^[1]

During World War II, Caesar served in the 100th Fighter Squadron, distinguishing himself not only as a skilled pilot, but also as a hero. In 1943, he and crew chief Marcellus G. Smith saved fellow pilot Roscoe Brown from a potentially fatal aircraft crash, an act of bravery that would be remembered.^[1]

Post-World War II, Caesar continued his service, including a stint in Korea, until his retirement from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then pursued a career in dentistry, graduating from Meharry Medical College's Dentistry School in 1951. Settling in the San Francisco metropolitan area, Caesar practiced dentistry for over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the local medical community.^[1]

Beyond his professional endeavors, Caesar was deeply involved in various civic and philanthropic activities. He served as President of the San Francisco Dental Society, contributed significantly to his alma mater, Meharry Medical College, and was recognized as the Young Men’s Christian Association-San Francisco’s Humanitarian of the Year in 1984.^[1]

In 1956, Caesar married Lois Bernard Towles, further establishing himself within the San Francisco community. Together, they contributed to the arts and charitable causes, with Lois serving as a Director of the San Francisco Symphony Foundation.^[5]

Caesar's legacy as a Tuskegee Airman was cemented with the Congressional Gold Medal to him and his comrades in 2007. His dedication to mentorship and community support continued throughout his life.^[1]

Richard Cornelius Caesar passed away on December 20, 2011, in Foster City, San Mateo County, California. He was laid to rest at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, San Mateo County, California, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service, and philanthropy. His contributions were further honored with accolades such as the Bennie Trailblazer Award from Morehouse College and the renaming of the Buchanan YMCA gymnasium in his honor. The Tuskegee Airmen, including Caesar, continue to inspire future generations, both as patriotic Americans and as advocates for community support and mentorship.^[1][6]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6} CAF Rise Above, 19 Jul 2022. "Richard Cornelius Caesar." Accessed 17 Mar 2024.
2. ↑ Arkansas, Birth Certificates, 1914-1922: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Birth Certificates; Year: 1918 Ancestry Record 61774 #115828
3. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Carlton, Chicot, Arkansas; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 0008; FHL microfilm: 2339802 Ancestry Record 6224 #86009510
4. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: Carlton, Chicot, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00122; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 9-9 Ancestry Record 2442 #105316193
5. ↑ California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1949-1959: Ancestry.com. California, U.S., Marriage Index, 1949-1959 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. Original data: California Department of Health and Welfare. California Vital Records—Vitalsearch (www.vitalsearch-worldwide.com). The Vitalsearch Company Worldwide, Inc., Pleasanton, California. Ancestry Record 5186 #1382372
6. ↑ U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current: Ancestry.com. U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012. Original data: Find A Grave: Memorial #135294697. Find a Grave®. Ancestry Record 60525 #110459111