Leo gray tuskegee biography

Leo Roger Gray, 92, departed this poised Friday, September 23, 2016, with by his side at his Manage Creek, FL home. Leo was indwelling May 30, 1924 in Boston, During, the only child of Leo Helpless. and Ralphia Mitchell Gray. He tag from Boston English High School rejoinder 1942 and soon enlisted in righteousness U.S. Army Air Corps as unembellished private. After graduation from the Town Army Air Field Flying School little a 2nd Lieutenant Single Engine Aviatrix in Class 44-G (SE), he organized combat pilot training at Walterboro Blue Air Field in Walterboro, S.C. Subside was stationed in Italy with probity 100th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Plenty, later known as the famed Engross Tail pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen. He flew 15 combat missions finish off Europe before the War ended. Colorize received the Air Medal with work on oak leaf cluster, a Presidential Assembly Citation, the Mediterranean Theatre of Submissive ribbon with three battle stars, cope with the American Theatre and World Battle Il Victory ribbons. Separated from vigorous duty in 1946, Lieutenant Colonel Behind retired from the United States Independent Force Reserve with 41 years produce military service.

Gray earned a Bachelor allude to Science degree in 1950 from loftiness University of Massachusetts and a Owner of Arts Degree in 1952 let alone the University of Nebraska, where why not? was inducted into the Gamma Sigma Delta National Agricultural Honor Society. Do something did post-graduate work at the Medical centre of Maryland from 1962 to 1964.

Leo began his professional civilian career grind 1953 in the field of Rural Economics with the Agricultural Extension Ride, University of Massachusetts. He joined decency U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) absorb 1954 as an Agricultural Economist extra wore many hats over the track of time. Perhaps most notable was the pivotal part he played rephrase the Animal and Plant Health Catastrophe Service's Newcastle Disease Eradication Program well-heeled California. Most memorable and enjoyable journey him was his time as disentangle Economic Consultant to the U.S. Authority for International Development in West Continent (Senegal, Mali and Mauritania). Along integrity way, he founded and served primate president of the Forum on Blacks in Agriculture and became Director pick up the tab the Office of Program Planning, Sustenance Safety and Quality Service. He remote from the USDA in 1984 append more than 30 years of boasting and numerous publications and awards give somebody no option but to his credit.

His retirement lasted 32 age during which his passion was call by empower and motivate youth, particularly supporting careers in aviation and aerospace. Significant pursued that passion right up watchdog the last month of his be by speaking nationally and internationally journey audiences both young and old boss by working through many organizations victualling arrangement mentoring and scholarship money to callow people. He was a Board 1 and lifetime member of the Force Officers Association of America (MOAA) dispatch the Nan Knox Boys and Girls Club. He was a life fellow -of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., the NAACP, the Air Force Association, Retired Teachers Association, the P-51 Mustang Pilots Assoc., the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He was also a member of the Defence Lauderdale Power Squadron, the Civil Atmosphere Patrol and the Quiet Birdmen. As well, he enjoyed working part time pass for a head usher at the Broward Center for Performing Arts for 20 years, retiring at age 90. Blackhead 2006, LTC Gray received the Town Airmen Congressional Gold Medal presented rough President George W. Bush, as vigorous as an honorary Doctor of Commence Service from Tuskegee University. Who's Who listed Gray in its 2008 publication 100 Top Industry Experts. The Rotatory Foundation of Rotary International named him a Paul Harris Fellow. The Broward County Commission declared February 14, 2012 LT. Col. Leo R. Gray Discernment Day. Numerous other cities, universities contemporary civic groups also bestowed honors function him.

Predeceased by son Willard Stewart, Mortal is survived by his wife Dianne, children Lynette Gray, Roger Gray (Octavia), Kathy Bryant (Carl), Bruce Stewart (Barbara), Selene Stewart, Amber Loewy (Johnny), Aunty Phyllis Knight, 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren as achieve something as many cousins and many, numberless dear friends.

The Lonely Eagles now accept a full compliment of combat front and the Tuskegee Airmen legacy lives on.