Woodrow Wilson Crockett (1918 - 2012)

Born 31 Aug 1918 in Homan, Miller, Arkansas, United States

Husband of Daisy Juanita (McMurray) Crockett — married 9 May 1942 in Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

Died 16 Aug 2012 at age 93 in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

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Biography

Woodrow Crockett is Notable.

Captain Woodrow Crockett served in the United States Army Air Forces in World War II
Service started: 1940
Unit(s): 332nd Fighter Group
Service ended: 2 Sep 1945

Woodrow Crockett of the United States of America fought for the United Nations in the Korean War
Service started:
Unit(s):
Service ended:

Woodrow Wilson Crockett is a notable figure in history for his groundbreaking achievements as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American fighter pilots in the United States military. His remarkable courage and skill were instrumental in shaping the course of World War II and the Korean War, as he flew numerous combat missions and held leadership roles within the 100th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Interceptor Group. Crockett's contributions to aviation history, coupled with his honors and awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and induction into multiple halls of fame, solidify his legacy as a trailblazer and symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.^[1][2]

Woodrow Wilson Crockett, affectionately known as "Woody," was born on August 31, 1918, in Homan, Miller County, Arkansas, to William and Lucindan Catheryn Crockett.^[3] Growing up in a family of educators, his parents instilled in him a deep appreciation for learning. Despite financial challenges, Crockett's pursuit of education led him to significant achievements.^[4]

Raised alongside five siblings, Crockett spent his early years in Homan, where he attended school until the eighth grade.^[4][5][6] To further his education, he relocated to Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, residing with an older sister to attend the esteemed Dunbar High School, a renowned institution for African Americans in the state.^[4]

After graduating from Dunbar High School in 1939, Crockett pursued higher education at Dunbar Junior College, focusing on mathematics. Unfortunately, financial constraints forced him to leave college in 1940, leading him to enlist in the United States Army.^[7]

Crockett's military journey began in 1940 when he joined the 349th Field Artillery Regiment, marking the inception of an illustrious career. Displaying remarkable dedication and skill, he rose through the ranks, eventually transferring to the Tuskegee Institute in August 1942 to become an aviation cadet.^[8]

Graduating as a second lieutenant on March 25, 1943, from the prestigious Tuskegee Army Air Field, Crockett made history as one of the pioneering African American fighter pilots, commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails." Serving in the 100th Fighter Squadron and the 332nd Fighter Interceptor Group, he contributed significantly to the Allied efforts during World War II and the Korean War.^[9][10]

Throughout his military service, Crockett's courage and expertise were evident, as he flew numerous combat missions, totaling 149 in World War II and 45 during the Korean War. His leadership roles included serving as a squadron commander and undertaking various responsibilities, such as radiological and flying safety officer duties.^[7]

Crockett's dedication to excellence earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Unit Citation, and multiple soldier's medals for acts of bravery. He retired from the military in 1970 as a lieutenant colonel, accumulating over 5,000 flight hours and leaving an indelible mark on aviation history.^[11]

Post-retirement, Crockett continued to garner recognition for his contributions. He was honored with his induction into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1995. Additionally, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2001, further testament to his lasting impact.^[4]

A devoted family man, Crockett shared his life with his beloved wife, Daisy Juanita McMurray^[12][13], and their four children. Despite facing challenges in his later years due to Alzheimer's disease, Crockett's legacy remained intact. He passed away on August 16, 2012, leaving behind a rich heritage of bravery, service, and determination.^[3]

Today, Crockett's memory lives on, honored with burial at Arlington National Cemetery and commemorated through artifacts like his World War II flight suit, showcased at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the remarkable achievements of individuals like Woodrow Wilson Crockett, who paved the way for generations to come.^[14]

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. Woodrow Crockett. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. December 2, 2023, 15:17 UTC. Available at: "Woodrow Wilson Crockett." Accessed March 11, 2024.
2. ↑ Polston, Debra, Cabot, Arkansas, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Last Updated on 27 Aug 2020. "Woodrow Wilson Crockett (1918–2012)." Accessed 11 Mar 2024.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} "Tuskegee airman dies; was Air Force officer", The Bellingham Herald, Bellingham, Washington, 13 Sep 2012, Thu. - Page A5. Newspapers Clip: 143136385, Accesed 11 Mar 2024.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3} CAF Rise Above, (n.,d.). "Woodrow Wilson Crockett Bio." Accessed 11 Mar 2024.
5. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Homan, Miller, Arkansas; Roll: T625_72; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 72 Ancestry Record 6061 #65341329
6. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: Homan, Miller, Arkansas; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 0017; FHL microfilm: 2339819 Ancestry Record 6224 #86880815
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} Francis, Charles E., 1st Lieutenant Army Air Force and US Air Force (Reserve), Edited, revised, up-dated and enlarged by Adolph Caso, Colonel USAR, Branden Books, Division of Branden Publishing Company, Inc. Boston. 2008. "The Men Who Changed A Nation - The Tuskegee Airman." Accessed 11 Mar 2024.
8. ↑ "349th to Unveil Memoiral During Review Saturday", The Lawton Constitution, Lawton, Oklahoma, 15 May 1942, Fri. - Page 4. Newspapers Clip: 143133593, Accesed 11 Mar 2024.
9. ↑ Haulman, Daniel L. NewSouth Books, Montgomery, AL. "The Tuskegee Airmaen Chronology: A Detailed Timeline of the Red Tails and Other Black Pilots of World War II." Accessed 11 Mar 2024.
10. ↑ "Army News", The Black Dispatch, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 23 Nov 1940, Sat. - Page 7. Newspapers Clip: 143136153, Newspapers Clip: 143136183, Accessed 11 Mar 2024.
11. ↑ "The Star-Democrat (Easton, MD) 15 Feb 2001, Page 10", The Star-Democrat, Easton, Maryland, (2001) 15 February 2001, Page 10, Newspapers Clip: 93575934
12. ↑ Pulaski County, Arkansas, Marriages 1838-1999: Pulaski County Clerk; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Records Ancestry Record 61797 #166628
13. ↑ Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972: Arkansas Department of Vital Records; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Certificates; Year: 1942; Film: #8 Ancestry Record 61775 #765951
14. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96892982/woodrow_wilson-crockett: accessed March 11, 2024), memorial page for LTC Woodrow Wilson -Woody- Crockett (31 Aug 1918–16 Aug 2012), Find A Grave: Memorial #96892982, citing Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA; Maintained by Family Miner (contributor 47128166).