Postal Service Honors Father of Black Aviation

Referred to as the Father of Black Aviation, Chief Flight Instructor of the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen C. Alfred Chief Anderson will be immortalized on a stamp tomorrow, March 13. The 1 p.m. dedication ceremony, free and open to the public, will take place at Bryn Mawr Colleges McPherson Auditorium, 101 North Merion Ave. Anderson also has been referred to as the Charles Lindbergh of Black Aviation for his record-breaking flights that inspired other African-Americans to become pilots. As the 15th stamp in the Postal Services Distinguished American Series, the 70-cent first-class stamp, available in sets of 20, is good for first-class mail weighing up to 2 ounces.

The Postal Service is proud to honor Charles Alfred 'Chief' Anderson, a black aviation pioneer who inspired, motivated and educated thousands of young people in aviation careers, including the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, said U.S. Postal Service Judicial Officer William Campbell, who will dedicate the stamp. Campbells father, a decorated Tuskegee Airman, served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Their accomplishments ranked them as one of the elite fighter groups during the war and their heroism will forever be an important part of our countrys history and heritage. It all began with the instruction they received from Chief Anderson, an extraordinary teacher who motivated and inspired them to reach their full potential as military aviators. The airmens professionalism and extraordinary effectiveness in combat was, in large part, the catalyst for President Harry Trumans issuance in 1948 of Executive Order 9981, which desegregated Americas armed forces.