Charles DeBow
*Charles DeBow was born on this date in 1918. He was a Black U.S. Army Air Force officer, combat fighter pilot, and teacher.
Charles DeBow was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the son of Charles Henry DeBow of Lebanon, Tennessee, and Anna Sue Horne DeBow of Tennessee. DeBow's parents moved from Tennessee to Indianapolis before DeBow was born. After graduating from Crispus Attucks High School, DeBow enrolled at Indiana University. Though DeBow's father wanted DeBow to study medicine to ensure a good living in a segregated society, DeBow transferred to Hampton Institute to study business and enroll in the Civil Pilot training course.
After working numerous jobs to save money, Debow dropped out to enlist in the U.S. Army. On July 19, 1941, DeBow was admitted into the U.S. Army Air Corps Tuskegee Aviation Cadet training program's inaugural class at Tuskegee Army Airfield, Class 42-C-SE. On March 6, 1942, only DeBow became a Tuskegee Airman. He and four other cadets graduated from the program: Captain Benjamin O. Davis Jr., 2nd Lt. Lemuel R. Custis, 2nd Lt. Mac Ross, and 2nd Lt. George S. Roberts ("Spanky" Roberts). Class 42-C-SE created America's first African-American U.S. Army Air Corps pilots.
During World War II, DeBow served as squadron commander of the 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron. He flew 52 combat missions in World War II's European Theater, including aerial coverage of D-Day's Operation Overlord. During a mission, DeBow was injured and lost his flight status. DeBow left the military with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After leaving the military, DeBow returned to the State of Indiana, where they earned a master's degree from his alma mater, Indiana University, and another master's degree from Butler University.
DeBow was married to Aurelia Jane Priscilla Stuart DeBow. They had several children. DeBow's son, Captain William DeBow, served as the Commander of the Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center. Daughter Kay DeBow co-founded the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). DeBow became an English teacher at Indianapolis, Indiana's Thomas Carr Howe High School, where he remained for 10 years. He later became an associate English lecturer at IUPUI until his death on April 4, 1986.
