In February 2020, the Palm Springs Air Museum honored Rhea Seddon for her outstanding achievements in space as a NASA Mission Specialist. Her portrait was added to the Museum’s “Wall of Fame.” Margaret Rhea Seddon had been awarded her doctor of medicine (MD) degree in 1973. She did her internship at the Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis and three years…
First Lt. Walter J.A. Palmer became a US Army Air Force pilot in 1943, graduating in class SE-43-F. He flew 158 combat missions over Italy and Germany during World War II. He was assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group. In February 1944, the 100th, 301st, and 302nd fighter squadrons arrived in Italy. Together, with…
I met Rusty Burns while I was painting the Tuskegee Airmen mural at the Palm Springs Air Museum. I was up a ladder in the middle of the painting when I noticed a fellow watching me. I asked him if I could answer any questions. His reply was, “You’re painting me!” I came down from the ladder to shake his hand.…
Clarence Jamison was a pioneering Tuskegee Airman with a 22-year history of military service during and after World War II. His life was one of historic firsts and accomplishments. While living in Chicago with an uncle and attending the University of Chicago, Clarence learned about the US government-sponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program. The idea of the CPTP was to…
Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran was born into poverty in the Florida Panhandle. At a young age, she became determined to make something of herself and to do great things and that she did. Becoming a beautician was her initial route to a better life. The next step was to get her pilot’s license and with that, she was on her…
Bessie Coleman’s short life was one of determination and excellence. Her influence stretched way beyond what she could have imagined, inspiring young black children to strive to become whatever they dreamed that they could be. Born in 1892 of sharecroppers, Bessie always had the desire to amount to something. When one of her brothers returned from WWI in France,…
I had been introduced over the phone to Alton Ballard by Bob Williams and was now en route to meet with him at his home in Baldwin Hills, California. When I arrived, I couldn’t help but notice that his house had a spectacular view of downtown Los Angeles. This was just the start of what turned into a fabulous day…
In 1996, days before the Palm Springs Air Museum was to open its doors to the public, Bob Williams came to the museum introducing himself as one of the Tuskegee Airmen. He had a grand idea for a mural that would honor the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen. A couple of days later, I came to meet with him at…
