Courtesy Photo | Walter Crenshaw, the oldest living documented Tuskegee Airman, inspects the details of...... read more read more
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LOS ANGELES - Air Force Col. Glenn Graham, Defense Contract Management Agency Western Regional commander, recently visited Walter Crenshaw, the oldest living documented Tuskegee Airman, to share stories, present him commander coins and thank him for his great service to the country.
At the ripe age of 105, Crenshaw is a legend in his own time and quite the conversationalist. When Graham entered Crenshaw’s room, on a Sunday afternoon at the Veterans Home of California - West Los Angeles, he was greeted with a huge smile and a hearty “hello.”
Graham introduced himself as an Air Force colonel, pilot and the commander of the DCMA Western Regional Command. Crenshaw immediately let him know how pleased he was to have him visit. Graham told him what an honor it was to meet a member of the legendary World War II Tuskegee Airmen.
The two engaged in conversations about a few distinctive Tuskegee Airmen members of that era, to include what Crenshaw described as “his boy,” Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr., who in 1975 became the first African-American four-star general. Crenshaw then shared stories of Benjamin O. Davis, who also advanced to become a four-star general under President Bill Clinton. Graham shared his knowledge of the plight and other stories about the airmen. He expressed his admiration and appreciation to the Tuskegee Airmen for enduring, preserving and greatly contributing to the country’s success during WWII.
Crenshaw’s room at the veterans home is adorned with pictures of his family and memorabilia from his comrades, and other events to include a picture of the Laker Girls who had recently paid him a visit. His American flag is also prominently displayed. Crenshaw sported his Tuskegee cap as he continued to speak passionately about the triumphs and tribulations during his days with Army Air Force. He spoke about the last time he got to see a number of his fellow comrades when they attended the 2008 dedication of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. He also mentioned he has a very nice Tuskegee Airmen jacket, which his son keeps and delivers to him for special occasions.
Graham presented Crenshaw with the Western Regional Command Commander’s coin and the DCMA Palmdale Commander’s coin, which are coins from Graham’s current and last command.
“Being able to thank Mr. Crenshaw for his service and being able to spend to afternoon with him is something I’ll never forget, and it was a huge honor for me,” said Graham. “The Tuskegee Airmen made many contributions to this nation, and they were role models for all Americans, not just African Americans and other minorities. They were, and are, heroes.”
Crenshaw said the only thing that would have made it better is if the Laker Girls had shown up again during their visit.
Background
Crenshaw was stationed at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee from 1942 to 1944 where he advanced to the rank of sergeant. He served as the administrative assistant to the provost marshal during the initial training of the cadets for the 99th Pursuit Squadron and the 33rd Fighters Squadron. He was also responsible for checking the background and induction of each of the cadets. It was during this time that he got to know many of the aviators on a personal level. He admits that he did not start to receive any recognition for his tour of duty with the Tuskegee Airmen until after the 2008 dedication of the Tuskegee Historic Site where he was recognized as the eldest in attendance during the brunch; he was 99 years old.
Crenshaw is married to his wife of 75 years, Zelma, and they have five children and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is especially grateful for being able to have a legacy his family can feel proud about.
In 2013, the city of Torrance, California, presented him with a replica of a Congressional Gold Medal for his service. His profile is included in the exhibit “Tuskegee Airmen, Men in Flight” at the California African American Museum. He often tell his daughter he feels like a celebrity.
| Date Taken: | 03.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2015 11:12 |
| Story ID: | 156630 |
| Location: | LOS ANGELES, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 254 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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