Henry Wise Jr.

Henry A. Wise Jr. (August 3, 1920 – May 2, 2003) was an American physician and World War II Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot with the 99th Pursuit Squadron, 332nd Division. He was shot down over Romania and was a prisoner of war. After the war, he became the medical director at Bowie State University.

Henry Wise Jr.
Henry Wise Jr.
Birth nameHenry Anthony Wise Jr.
Born(1920-08-03)August 3, 1920
Cheriton, Virginia, United States
DiedMay 2, 2003(2003-05-02) (aged 82)
Cheverly, Maryland, United States
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
Years of service1942–1946
RankSecond Lieutenant
Unit99th Pursuit Squadron, 332nd Division, Tuskegee Airmen
Battles/warsWorld War II
Awards

Early life

Wise was born in Cheriton, Virginia and he graduated from the all black private school, Virginia Union University.[1]

Career
The Tuskegee Airmen's aircraft had distinctive markings that led to the name, "Red Tails."[N 1]

From 1942 to 1946 served as a pilot in the Tuskegee Airmen.[1] Wise's plane was shot down over Romania near the Ploesti oilfields. He spent three months as a prisoner of war.[3]

In 1955 Wise left his family practice to become work as a physician at Prince George's Hospital Center. At that time Wise was the only African American physician. He went on to become the former medical director at Bowie State University[3]

Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School was approved by the Board of Education for Prince George's County Public Schools in 2005.[4]

Awards

See also

Death

Wise suffered a heart attack and died at Prince George's Hospital Center on May 2, 2003.

References
  1. "Dr. Henry Wise, 82; Tuskegee Airman, Medical Director". Los Angeles Times. Staff and Wire Reports. 9 May 2003. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. Rice, Markus. "The Men and Their Airplanes: The Fighters." Tuskegee Airmen, 1 March 2000.
  3. "Dr. Henry Wise, 82, Tuskegee Airman, Dies". The Washington Post. 2003. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  4. "Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School Official Site". DMS Properties, LLC. DMS Properties, LLC. 8 October 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  5. "Public Law 109–213—APR. 11, 2006 Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen" (PDF). Congress.gov. US Library of Congress. 11 April 2006. Retrieved 14 November 2021.

Notes
  1. The red markings that distinguished the Tuskegee Airmen included red bands on the noses of P-51s as well as a red rudder; their P-51B and D Mustangs flew with similar color schemes, with red propeller spinners, yellow wing bands and all-red tail surfaces.[2]


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