In our attempt to maintain a balance of gender and occupation in the profiles, this week — after last week’s article about Lena Derriecott Bell King of Postal Unit 6888 during World War II — we put the spotlight on William Morris Wheeler, a Tuskegee Airman. He came to mind when he was mentioned at the Veterans’ Day celebration at Riverton Square in Harlem.
Much to my surprise, Wheeler was born in Detroit, my hometown, on August 20, 1923. We also both attended Northwestern High School, although years apart. After graduation, he enrolled at Howard University, where he volunteered to become a U.S. Army Air Corps Pilot. He was inducted into the service in March 1943, while still a sophomore in college. He completed basic training at Keesler Field, Miss., and then was transferred to Tuskegee Army Field in Alabama to begin flight training as an Aviation Cadet.
By March 1944, he had earned his fighter pilot wings and was commissioned a second lieutenant. In rapid succession, he completed training on various planes and maneuvers, although he experienced discrimination during these missions, and as a member of the university football team. Not one to cower under such circumstances, he actively protested these racist methods, even tearing down signs that limited his participation. As a result of several encounters, he was arrested and forced to endure psychological examinations that questioned his sanity.
Later in 1944, Wheeler was assigned to Ramitelli Air Base in Italy as a replacement pilot for the 332nd Fighter Group. He flew several combat missions to various locations in Europe, including Greece, where he flew as an escort to Allied bombers and the strafing of enemy troops. On his last mission, Wheeler suffered from hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and lost consciousness at 36,000 feet over Germany. He miraculously regained consciousness at 8,000 feet and was able to return to the base, avoiding enemy aircraft.
For his courageous combat missions, Wheeler received decorations such as the Air Medal, European/African/Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Medal, and several others. He was honorably discharged in August 1945 and returned to a segregated society. Like other returning Tuskegee Airmen, Wheeler tried to find employment as a commercial pilot, but was systematically denied and offered menial jobs cleaning planes, which Wheeler and other Airmen rejected.
Wheeler married Minnie Esther Jenkins in November 1945 and shortly thereafter was hired by Data Digests, Inc., a major financial company, as an assistant production manager. His tenure at the company was prosperous and soon he was vice president of production & distribution for all of the company’s publications.
By 1972, he was working at Fairchild Republic, which manufactured the P-47 Thunderbolt plane, which had flown during the war. Three years later, he was offered a position of corporate affirmative action officer, but he declined because the top executives imposed unacceptable racial limitations and pre-conditions on the function of the position.
In 1977, Wheeler was hired by the National Bank of N.A. and its successor, National Westminster Bank, as vice president/purchasing manager. Later he became vice president/director of purchasing, printing, central supply, & distribution. He officially retired in 2001.
As a Tuskegee Airman, Wheeler was often asked to speak at various functions of churches, corporations, colleges, and other institutions. One of the themes he often used at these events, particularly for students, was “Stay in school if you want to be competitive.” To him, a college degree was a passport to success. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Tuskegee University in 2006 and a year later, was among all the original Tuskegee Airmen and Airwomen to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. He received another honorary doctorate in 2009 from Lehman College.
In 2004, Wheeler lost his wife, who died after being struck by a car in Hempstead, N.Y.
Wheeler died on July 19, 2011, and his name echoed with those of his comrades during a celebration at Riverton Residence. Much more can be learned about him and his colleagues at www.TuskegeeAirmen.org.
Find out more
The Tuskegee Airmen website is by far the most resourceful source of information about the distinguished pilots.
Discussion
We are curious to know more about Wheeler’s coming of age in Detroit, a subject we may pursue in a different context.
Place in context
The highlight of Wheeler’s years occurred during World War II, although he continued to be a man of mark in corporate America for the rest of his life.
This week in Black history
Nov. 18, 1936: Jazz artist Don Cherry was born in Oklahoma City, Okla. He died in 1995.
Nov. 19, 1949: Former football star and TV commentator Ahmad Rashad (Earl Moore) was born in Portland, Ore.
Nov. 20, 1976: Dominique Dawes, Olympic gymnast, was born in Silver Spring, Md.