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During [[World War II]], Dryden and his squadron flew numerous combat patrol and bomber escort missions in [[North Africa]] and the [[Mediterranean Theater]] including Italy and Sicily.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref> On June 9, 1943, Lt. “A-Train” (his P-40 nickname) led a flight of six pilots engaging enemy fighter aircraft in aerial combat over Pantelleria, Sicily. It was the first time in aviation history that black American pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps engaged aircraft in combat.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>
During [[World War II]], Dryden and his squadron flew numerous combat patrol and bomber escort missions in [[North Africa]] and the [[Mediterranean Theater]] including Italy and Sicily.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref> On June 9, 1943, Lt. “A-Train” (his P-40 nickname) led a flight of six pilots engaging enemy fighter aircraft in aerial combat over Pantelleria, Sicily. It was the first time in aviation history that black American pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps engaged aircraft in combat.<ref> The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden </ref>


After the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] transferred him back to the United States in [[Walterboro, South Carolina]], Dryden and numerous other African American officers were angered when they saw German prisoners-of-war with greater freedom and access on the racially-segregated base than African-American military members. After performing a low-level flight maneuver over the base in protest, the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] court-martialed him.<ref> Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/ </ref>
After the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] transferred him back to the United States in [[Walterboro, South Carolina]], Dryden and numerous other African American officers were angered when they saw German prisoners-of-war with greater freedom and access on the racially-segregated base than African-American military members. After performing a low-level flight maneuver over the base in protest, the [[U.S. Army Air Corps]] court-martialed him.<ref> Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/ </ref><ref> Lucas Films. "PROFILING HEROES: MORE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN FIGHTER PILOTS. THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN HAD TO OVERCOME RACISM FOR A CHANCE TO FLY IN COMBAT - CHARLES W. DRYDEN (1920-2008)." 11.27.20. https://www.lucasfilm.com/news/profiling-heroes-more-tuskegee-airmen-fighter-pilots/ </ref>


After World War II, Dryden became a professor of Air Science at [[Howard University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redtail.org/airmen/tusk_stories.html#dryden
After World War II, Dryden became a professor of Air Science at [[Howard University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.redtail.org/airmen/tusk_stories.html#dryden

Revision as of 23:46, 9 August 2021

Charles W. Dryden
Charles Dryden (seated) aboard USS San Antonio
(May 2006)
Nickname(s)"A-TRAIN"
Born(1920-09-16)September 16, 1920
New York City, New York
DiedJune 24, 2008(2008-06-24) (aged 87)[1]
Atlanta, Georgia
Place of burial
Arlington National Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
RankLieutenant Colonel
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsGeorgia Aviation Hall of Fame inductee
Spouse(s)Marymal Morgan Dryden Irma “Pete” Dryden
ChildrenCharles a.k.a. Thumper Dryden, Keith Dryden, Eric Dryden, George Bingham, Kenneth Bingham, Tony Bingham, Cornelia-Rose White

Charles Walter Dryden ("A-Train" Dryden) (September 16, 1920 - June 24, 2008) was an U.S. Army Air Force officer and one of the original combat fighter pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, best known as the Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen") among enemy German pilots.[2] Among the United States' first eight (8) African American combat fighter pilots, Dryden is notable as a member of the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C, the program's 2nd-ever aviation cadet program.[2][3]

He is the author of the best-selling autobiography, A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman.[4]

Plaque honoring Dryden at the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame

Early Life, Family

Dryden was born on September 16, 1920 in New York City.[5] He was the son of Violet Adina Buckley Dryden and Charles Levy Tucker Dryden, both educators and immigrants from Jamaica who taught college on the island.[6][7][8] His father served as a sergeant in the Jamaican military during World War I.[9]

Dryden attended the predominantly white Stitt Junior High School where he served as Class President.[10] He also attended Peter Stuyvesant High School, graduating in 1938.[11][12]

Dryden was married twice, bearing three sons with first wife, and three stepsons and a stepdaughter with 2nd wife Marymal Morgan Dryden.[13]

Military Service, Tuskegee Airmen

In August 1941, the U.S. Army Air Corps admitted Dryden to its aviation cadet training at the Tuskegee Army Flying School in Tuskegee, Alabama.[14] On April 29, 1942, graduated from the Tuskegee Advance Flying School (TAFS)'s Class Number SE-42-C - Single Engine Section, earning his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.[15] He and fellow graduates, 2nd Lt Sidney P. Brooks and 2nd Lt Clarence C. Jamison, became the first eight African American combat fighter pilots in history.[16] The U.S. Army Air Corps subsequently assigned him to the 99th Fighter Squadron, later attached to the 332nd Fighter Group. He earned his nickname "A-Train" from band leader Duke Ellington famous tune and Dryden's roots in New York City.[17] He named his P-40 aircraft, "A-Train.[18]

During World War II, Dryden and his squadron flew numerous combat patrol and bomber escort missions in North Africa and the Mediterranean Theater including Italy and Sicily.[19] On June 9, 1943, Lt. “A-Train” (his P-40 nickname) led a flight of six pilots engaging enemy fighter aircraft in aerial combat over Pantelleria, Sicily. It was the first time in aviation history that black American pilots of the U.S. Army Air Corps engaged aircraft in combat.[20]

After the U.S. Army Air Corps transferred him back to the United States in Walterboro, South Carolina, Dryden and numerous other African American officers were angered when they saw German prisoners-of-war with greater freedom and access on the racially-segregated base than African-American military members. After performing a low-level flight maneuver over the base in protest, the U.S. Army Air Corps court-martialed him.[21][22]

After World War II, Dryden became a professor of Air Science at Howard University.[23][24] During his 21 years in the U.S. military, he served in Korea as a reconnaissance pilot, Japan, Germany and several bases in the United States.[25][26]

In 1962, he retired from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of Lt Colonel.[27] He logged over 4000 military flight hours during his U.S. Air Force career.[28][29]

Post-Military

In 1955, Dryden earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in political science from Hofstra University. He also earned a master's of arts degree in public law and government from Columbia University.[30]

Dryden served as a director of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame which inducted him in 1998.[31]

In 1997, Dryden authored his best-selling autobiographical book, "A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman."

Honors

Death

Dryden passed away of natural causes on June 24, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.[34][35] He was 87. Former Atlanta mayor and U.S. ambassador Andrew Young delivered Dryden's eulogy. Dryden was interred at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 59, Site 3370, in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington County, Virginia.

See also

References

  1. ^ Rector, Gene (2008-06-24). "Famed Tuskegee Airman dies in Atlanta". Macon Newspapers. Archived from the original on 2013-08-14. Retrieved 2008-06-26.
  2. ^ a b "U.S.A.F. Veteran Online Memorial | TWS Roll of Honor". airforce.togetherweserved.com. Retrieved 2021-07-17.
  3. ^ "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster". CAF Rise Above. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  4. ^ Dryden, Charles W. (August 2002). A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman. University of Alabama Press. p. 420. ISBN 978-0-8173-1266-4.
  5. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  6. ^ Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/
  7. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  8. ^ The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021.
  9. ^ The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021.
  10. ^ Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/
  11. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  12. ^ Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/
  13. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  14. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  15. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  16. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Roster." https://cafriseabove.org/the-tuskegee-airmen/tuskegee-airmen-pilot-roster/ . This data derives from CAF Rise Above's research project compiling data from Tuskegee Airmen historians including the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
  17. ^ The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021.
  18. ^ Arlington National Cemetery Site. "Charles W. Dryden Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force." http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwdryden.htm
  19. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  20. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  21. ^ Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/
  22. ^ Lucas Films. "PROFILING HEROES: MORE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN FIGHTER PILOTS. THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN HAD TO OVERCOME RACISM FOR A CHANCE TO FLY IN COMBAT - CHARLES W. DRYDEN (1920-2008)." 11.27.20. https://www.lucasfilm.com/news/profiling-heroes-more-tuskegee-airmen-fighter-pilots/
  23. ^ "Red Tail Project - America's Flying Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen". Commemorative Air Force. Archived from the original on 2007-12-08. Retrieved 2008-06-26.
  24. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  25. ^ Arlington National Cemetery Site. "Charles W. Dryden Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force." http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwdryden.htm
  26. ^ Black Past. "CHARLES WALTER DRYDEN (1920-2008)." ROBERT FIKES. POSTED ONDECEMBER 25, 2018. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/dryden-charles-walter-1920-2008/
  27. ^ The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021.
  28. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  29. ^ The New Georgia Encyclopedia. "Charles Dryden (1920-2008)." Original entry by William P. Head, United States Air Force, 10/12/2007. Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/27/2021.
  30. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  31. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  32. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  33. ^ The History Makers. "Lt. Col. Charles Dryden." https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/lt-col-charles-dryden
  34. ^ CAF Rise Above. "Charles W. Dryden." https://cafriseabove.org/charles-w-dryden/
  35. ^ Arlington National Cemetery Site. "Charles W. Dryden Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force." http://arlingtoncemetery.net/cwdryden.htm

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