The Blue Eagle of the Tuskegee Airmen
Major Frederick Oliver “Blue Eagle” Wilson was one of four Native American pilots to fly with the Tuskegee Airmen.
Maj. Frederick Oliver “Blue Eagle” Wilson was one of four Native American pilots to fly with the Tuskegee Airmen, a predominantly African American fighter squadron in World War II. As one of the original documented members, Wilson soared into history as a decorated pilot and a keeper of the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy. The rest of the world might view him as a legendary airman, but his family and powwow community remember him as a proud entrepreneur and a role model for the next generation of aviators.
Early years
On June 18, 1922, Fred Wilson was born. At age 11, he already knew how to fly a plane because his father was a bush pilot who taught all of his children how to fly. During a 2007 speaking engagement at an elementary school, Wilson shared with students a few words of wisdom from his father: “My dad always used to tell me…the only obstacle you’ll see in life is when you take your eyes off your goal.”
Experience as a Tuskegee Airman
After the 1941 attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory, Wilson ultimately made his way to Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in Alabama. Like many of the African American men, he had prior experience as a pilot, but still had to undergo training for combat duty.
Overseas, the Tuskegee Airmen shattered the color barrier among Army aviators in WWII. Tuskegee graduates flew combat escort missions in North Africa, Italy, and Sicily; Wilson flew out of Italy. They had one of the best records among American fighter units and were in high demand for escort service. Unfortunately, some of the Tuskegee Airmen also lost their lives in accidents or combat. When asked about a time when he was afraid as an airman, Wilson revealed, “Every minute.” He was in the active military or reserves from 1941 to 1977.
Similar to his African American counterparts, Wilson experienced racism abroad as well as at home after returning from war, and he had years when he wanted to forget about being an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Later, though, he realized his vital role in American history and sought to share that history with younger generations. To keep “the history alive,” he spoke with elementary school-age students to expand their knowledge of aviation and the Tuskegee Airmen’s historical contributions. In his later years, Wilson found immense joy in what used to be a bittersweet experience by passing along his memories of service and sacrifice to young people.
That service and sacrifice earned Wilson and his fellow Airmen various accolades. In March 2007, former President George W. Bush and Congress collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen. This medal is awarded to an individual or group “for an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States.” The ceremony took place inside the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol where 300 airmen and widows attended and received the medal on behalf of not only the pilots but also the bombardiers, cooks, instructors, navigators, nurses, mechanics and other support personnel for the pilots.
In 2012, Wilson also was posthumously honored, along with 11 other Tuskegee Airmen, by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City. He and the other honorees had worked for the New York transit system following their service in WWII. The 100th Street Bus Depot on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan was renamed the Tuskegee Airmen Bus Depot, and a bronze commemorative plaque was installed in its entryway, listing the names of the 12 Airmen. The plaque also bears an artistic rendering of three Tuskegee Airmen and the red-tail fighter planes they flew.
Later years
Wilson took great pride in his Native American heritage as part of the Canadian Mohawk Nation. Among his Indian friends, he was known as “Blue Eagle.” He was a familiar figure and premier vendor on the powwow circuit of Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas. He and his wife sold dolls, hats, jewelry, wedding vases, and various other items. He was known among his powwow family and patrons for his twinkling eyes, broad smile, and the large walking stick with an eagle that he always carried.
At age 85, he passed away on October 1, 2007, in Concord, N.C., eight months after receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. He left behind his wife of 42 years, his two sons and their wives and three grandchildren. A member of his powwow community noted that Wilson was a “great warrior, veteran and all around good man.”
As we honor Wilson’s life and legacy during Native American Heritage Month, let’s also follow in his footsteps to keep history alive for future aviators. He served as an example to young people that equality matters on earth as well as in the skies.
Want more history? Browse even more aviation history articles at Cleared for Takeoff, and check out our Timeline of FAA and Aerospace History.
