Willie H. Fuller: Difference between revisions

Willie Howell Fuller ("Will") (August 2, 1919 - January 15, 1995) was a U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force officer, combat fighter pilot, and combat flight instructor with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Pursuit Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails". He was one of 1,007 documented Tuskegee Airmen Pilots.

Fuller was notable for being one of the first thirty-four African American combat fighter pilots. On August 5, 1942, Fuller graduated from the Tuskegee Advanced Pilot Cadet program as a member of the fifth-ever Cadet Class Single Engine Section SE-42-G.

As an original member of the 99th Fighter Squadron, Fuller became a flight instructor at Tuskegee Air Field in Fall 1944, working alongside "Chief" James O. Plinton Jr..

Early Life

Fuller was born on August 2, 1919 in Tarboro, North Carolina.

Educated in the Tarboro public schools, Fuller attended Tuskegee Institute, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Industries in 1942.

Following his military service, Fuller married Willie (Billie) Dunson Fuller (August 7, 1921 - September 16, 2006), who lived in LaGrange, Georgia.

Fuller must not be confused with Flight Officer William A. Fuller Jr. of Single Engine Section Cadet Class SE-45-E, August 4, 1945.

Military Career, Tuskegee Airmen

On August 5, 1942, Fuller graduated from the Tuskegee Advanced Pilot Cadet program as a member of the fifth-ever Cadet Class Single Engine Section SE-42-G, receiving his wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. Fuller was one of the first thirty-four African American combat fighter pilots.

During World War II, Fuller flew 76 combat missions including combat over Sicily and Italy. Fuller flew with the 99th Fighter Squadron's mission to secure Pantelleria in 1943. He earned the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster.

He named his P-40 fighter "Ruthia" after his then-wife. Fuller and several of his fellow airmen posed with actress Lena Horne during her visit to Tuskegee.

In 1944, Fuller was transferred back to the United States where he served as a flight instructor in Tuskegee Army Air Field's advanced single-engine flying school.

Fuller and several members of the 99th Fighter Squadron were invited to an upscale Atlantic City hotel. A white officer managing the event attempted to exclude Fuller from bringing his wife because the officer felt that only Fuller had earned fair treatment. Fuller relented, taking his wife to the hotel.

In 1947, Fuller retired from active military duty. Fuller became a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Post-Military

After moving to LaGrange, Georgia with his new wife, Fuller created the first African American owned taxi cab company there. He also taught civilian pilots how to fly.

Fuller and his wife left Lagrange to work with the Boy Scouts in South Florida where he served as District Executive with the South Florida Council, overseeing scouting in Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. In 1954, Fuller attended the National Training School for Professional Scouting at the Schiff Scout Reservation in Mendham, New Jersey.

Death

Fuller passed away on September 16, 2006 at the age of 85. He was interred at the Monumental Garden South in Dade Memorial Park, Opa-locka, Florida.

See also

• Tuskegee Airmen
• List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
• List of Tuskegee Airmen
• Military history of African Americans
• Dogfights (TV series)
• Executive Order 9981
• The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)