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==Legacy==
==Legacy==
* On June 27, 1989, the [[U.S. Postal Service]] dedicated its [[Dayton, Ohio]]'s the Mac Ross Memorial Philatelic Room in honor of Ross.
* On June 27, 1989, the [[U.S. Postal Service]] dedicated its [[Dayton, Ohio]]'s Mac Ross Memorial Philatelic Room in honor of Ross. A plaque displayed at the Dayton Post Office on East 5th Street.<ref> Dayton Daily News. "Area’s black WWII pilots part of Tuskegee Airmen legacy." Kelli Wynn. April 28, 2012. https://www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/area-black-wwii-pilots-part-tuskegee-airmen-legacy/1PXzAGdwWw1V2yRI0getoN/ </ref>
* In 2000, the city of [[Selma, Alabama]] honored Ross Ross with a resolution honoring his service and sacrifice.
* In 2000, the city of [[Selma, Alabama]] honored Ross Ross with a resolution honoring his service and sacrifice.


Revision as of 20:09, 16 July 2021

Mac Ross
Born
Mac Ross

1912 or 1916
Dallas County, Alabama, US
DiedError: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day
Ramitelli Airfields
Resting placeAmerican Cemetery-Sicily, Plot J, Row 15, Grave 70, near Rome, Italy.
Alma materHoward University, University of Connecticut's School of Law (did not finish)
Occupations
  • Military officer
  • fighter pilot
Years active1941–1944

Mac Ross (1912 or 1916 - July 10, 1944) was an U.S. Army Air Force officer, combat fighter pilot, 100th Fighter Squadron's Squadron Commander, 332nd Fighter Group's Group Operations Officer of the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots.[1] He was one of the 1007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.[2]

He was among the group of five African American officers to receive their silver wings as the inaugural class of the Tuskegee Army Flying School.[3]

Early Life

Based on contrasting records, Ross was born in either 1912 or 1916 in Dallas County, Alabama.[4][5] One of ten children,

During his military service, Ross was listed as a resident of Dayton, Ohio.[6] Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Ross worked as an inspector at an iron works in Ohio.[7]

Military Service, Tuskegee Airmen

Though passed over for pilot training several times, Ross was admitted into the U.S. Army Air Corps Tuskegee Aviation Cadet training program's inaugural single-engine 42-C-SE Class on July 19, 1941 at Tuskegee Army Air Field.[8] The inaugural class included[9][10]

  • Student officer Captain Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Commandant of Cadets, and future Tuskegee Airmen Commander and future U.S. four-star general;
  • John C. Anderson, Jr.;
  • Charles D. Brown
  • Theodore E. Brown
  • Marion A. Carter
  • Charles H. DeBow, Jr. (Feb 13, 1918 – April 4, 1968)[11]; and
  • Lemuel R. Custis
  • Frederick H. Moore
  • Ulysses S. Pannell
  • George S. Roberts ("Spanky" Roberts) (September 24, 1918 - March 8, 1984);
  • William H. Slade[12]
  • Roderick C. Williams.

During cadet training, Ross bailed out of his P-40 training aircraft, making him the first ever African American member of the Caterpillar Club, an informal association of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out of a disabled aircraft.[13] Nonetheless, on March 6, 1942, only five cadets graduated from the program, receiving their silver wings: 2nd Lt. Ross, Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr., 2nd Lt. Charles DeBow Jr., 2nd Lt. Lemuel R. Custis, and 2nd Lt. George S. Roberts ("Spanky" Roberts). Class 42-C-SE created America's first African-American U.S. Army Air Corps pilots.

On May 26, 1942, Ross became the Squadron Commander of the 332nd Fighter Group's 100th fighter squadron, with Lt George Knox and SE-42-A classmate Charles DeBow serving as his adjutants.[14]

In July 1942, Ross became the 332nd Fighter Group's Group Operations Officer.[15] On March 27, 1943, his squadron transferred to Selfridge Field in Mt Clements, Michigan.[16] During World War II, Ross flew over 50 combat missions in the European Theater.[17]

Unit Assignments

  • 1941–1942, AAF MOS 770, Aviation Cadet Flight School, Tuskegee AAF[18]
  • 1942–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 99th Fighter Squadron, AL, French Morocco, Tunisia, Italy[19]
  • 1943–1943, AAF MOS 1055, 33rd Fighter Group, Qued N'ja, French Morocco; Fardjouna, Tunisia[20]
  • 1943–1943, AAF MOS 1055, 324th Fighter Group, Fardjouna Airfield[21]
  • 1943–1943, AAF MOS 1055, 33rd Fighter Group, Licata, Termini, & Barcellona Airfields, Sicily[22]
  • 1943–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 79th Fighter Group, Salsola, Madna, & Capodichino Airfields[23]
  • 1944–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 324th Fighter Group, Cercola & Pignataro Airfields[24]
  • 1944–1944, AAF MOS 1055, 332nd Fighter Group, Ciampino, Orbetello, & Ramitelli Airfields[25]

Major Campaigns

  • 1941–1944, World War II[26]
  • 1943–1943, Operation Strangle[27]
  • 1943–1943, Sicily Campaign (1943)[28]
  • 1943–1944, Naples-Foggia Campaign (1943-44)[29]
  • 1944–1944, Anzio Campaign (1944)[30]
  • 1944–1944, Rome-Arno Campaign (1944)[31]
  • 1944–1944, Normandy Campaign (1944)[32]

Awards

Death

Ross was killed during flight check training when his P-51 Mustang suffered mechanical failure, nosediving into the ground.[36] He was interred at the American Cemetery-Sicily, Plot J, Row 15, Grave 70, near Rome, Italy.

Legacy

  • On June 27, 1989, the U.S. Postal Service dedicated its Dayton, Ohio's Mac Ross Memorial Philatelic Room in honor of Ross. A plaque displayed at the Dayton Post Office on East 5th Street.[37]
  • In 2000, the city of Selma, Alabama honored Ross Ross with a resolution honoring his service and sacrifice.

See also

References

  1. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  2. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster". CAF Rise Above. CAF Rise Above. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  3. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  4. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  5. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  6. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  7. ^ Tuskegee Museum. "Civilian Pilot Training Program." https://www.tuskegeemuseum.org/civilian-pilot-training/
  8. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  9. ^ "Air Force Historical Support Division > Home" (PDF). Retrieved 7 February 2017
  10. ^ "TUSKEGEE AIRMEN CHRONOLOGY." DANIEL L. HAULMAN. ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY BRANCH. AIR FORCE HISTORICAL RESEARCH AGENCY. MAXWELL AFB, AL 36112-6424. 14 November 2011. https://www.tuskegee.edu/Content/Uploads/Tuskegee/files/TUSKEGEE_AIRMEN_CHRONOLOGY12.2011.pdf
  11. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Charles Henry DeBow Jr."
  12. ^ Provided an oral history of his experience with the Tuskegee Airmen: The William H. (Bill) Slade Story... 1st class (42-c) flight trainee Tuskegee Institute, 1941. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=911nbfmjH74
  13. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  14. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  15. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  16. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  17. ^ Caf Rise Above. "Mac Ross." https://cafriseabove.org/mac-ross/
  18. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  19. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  20. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  21. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  22. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  23. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  24. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  25. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  26. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  27. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  28. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  29. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  30. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  31. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  32. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  33. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  34. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  35. ^ U.S. Air Force - Together We Served. "Roll of Honor-U.S. Air Force - Deceased -Ross, Mac, Capt-USAAF Veteran."https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=171792
  36. ^ Honor States. "Mac Ross." https://www.honorstates.org/index.php?id=323463
  37. ^ Dayton Daily News. "Area’s black WWII pilots part of Tuskegee Airmen legacy." Kelli Wynn. April 28, 2012. https://www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/area-black-wwii-pilots-part-tuskegee-airmen-legacy/1PXzAGdwWw1V2yRI0getoN/
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