Lee Archer (pilot)
Lee Andrew Archer, Jr. | |
|---|---|
Lee Archer in World War II | |
| Nickname(s) | Buddy |
| Born | September 6, 1919 Yonkers, New York |
| Died | January 27, 2010 (aged 90) Manhattan, New York City, New York |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1970 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Squadron Tuskegee Airmen |
| Commands | 7416th Material Squadron |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (9) Air Force Commendation Medal (2) Congressional Gold Medal |
Lee Andrew Archer, Jr. (September 6, 1919 – January 27, 2010) was an American fighter Ace in the 332nd Fighter Group, commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen, during World War II. He was one of the first African American military aviators in the United States Army Air Corps, the United States Army Air Forces and later the United States Air Force, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant colonel.
During World War II, Archer flew 169 combat missions, including bomber escort, reconnaissance and ground attack. Archer claimed and was credited with five enemy fighter aircraft shot down making him an Ace.
Archer was one of only four Tuskegee Airmen to have earned three aerial victories in a single day of combat: Joseph Elsberry, Clarence Lester, and Harry T. Stewart Jr.