Roger Romine (1920 - 1944)

Born 30 Jul 1920 in Oakland, Alameda, California, United States

Ancestors

Died 16 Nov 1944 at age 24 in Italy

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Biography

Roger Romine was Killed in Action during World War II.

Roger Romine is a Military Veteran.
Served in the United States Army Air Force 302nd Fighter Squadron 1943-1944
Tuskegee Airman flying Ace

Roger Romine was awarded the Purple Heart.

Roger was born in 1920 to Elmer Romine and Viola Majors. ^[1] He grew up in Oakland, California. His father was employed bu the Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger line, working as a waiter onboard.

Roger graduated from Oakland Technical High School where he excelled as an athlete in track and high jump. He went on to attend Salinas Junior College, transfering to San Jose State College where he took civilian pilot training. He was majoring in bacteriology and architectural drawing. He and his brother had both worked as news carriers for the Oakland Tribune when young.

Roger enlisted in the army air force, attending Tuskegee Institute for air pilot training. He was commissioned in September of 1943.^[2] and assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group. He departed for Italy in December.

Roger was one of hte first African American officers commissioned from Oakland, California. In July of 1944, he was serving in Italy under Col. Benjamin O. Davis.He was credited with downing a German Messerschmitt while escorting liberators to Austria on Jul 26. ^[3]

On Nov 16, 1944, Roger was departing from Ramitelli Air base on a mission when his plane suddenly encountered a flock of sheep on the runway, resulting in the plane rolling off the runway, into the mud. Before he could maneuver the plane from its position, the next pilot in take off mode, encountered the same sheep situation, lost control of his aircraft, and crashed into Roger, killing him.

He was buried in a temporary American Cemetery overseas until his body was returned home at the request of his parents. Military honors were held for his burial on Dec 16, 1948 at the Golden Gate National Cemetery. ^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ "United States Census, 1930," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XCXS-4ZQ : accessed 28 April 2021), Roger Romine in household of Elmer Romine, Oakland, Alameda, California, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 26, sheet 4B, line 100, family 96, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 102; FHL microfilm 2,339,837.
2. ↑ Michigan Chronicle, 16 Dec 1944, pg. 5.
3. ↑ Oakland Tribune, 28 Jul 1944, pg. 13.Lieut. Romine, Oaklfand Flier, Bags Foe in Raid Over Austria
4. ↑ The San Francisco Examer, 16 Dec 1948:MilitaryRites for Lt. Rimine

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