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"To Our Fallen Flyers"

A poem titled "To Our Fallen Flyers" by J. Farley Ragland. Underneath the typed text, someone has written in pencil "Sent Home by Bro."

GLC09587.053

North-West from Headquarters, Selfridge Field, Michigan

A postcard titled "North-West from Headquarters, Selfridge Field, Michigan" with a photo of Selfridge Field Air Base in Michigan.

GLC09587.054

Control Tower, Selfridge Field, Mich.

A postcard titled "Control Tower, Selfridge Field, Mich." with a photo of four white airmen in the control tower. One looks out through binoculars while the others wear aviator sunglasses.

GLC09587.055

[Flight chart]

A handwritten chart with several columns: check points, "M.h. / CH," distance in miles, ETA, ATA, and marks. The chart is filled out with various flights executed by LeRoi Williams to check points such as Dadeville, Summerville, Chickamauga...

GLC09587.056

To LeRoi Williams

A letter from Eugene Williams to his brother LeRoi. He asks LeRoi how farm life is and how the Greens are doing. He mentions that Geraldine is always asking when he'll come home. He finishes the letter by imploring LeRoi to ask if he may come to the...

GLC09587.057

[Flight chart]

A handwritten chart that appears to list flight distances and times.

GLC09587.058

[Flight plan]

A handwritten flight plan without destinations. The plans are notated by dots and lines, along with several numbers.

GLC09587.059

[Flight plan]

A handwritten flight plan detailing the voyage from Atlanta to Chattanooga and back. On the back of the second page, there are handwritten math equations.

GLC09587.060

to the family of LeRoi Williams

Letter to his family, in which LeRoi Williams describes being sent to an Army Air Field in Northern Michigan to practice gunnery. He describes the training he's been given and the practice of skip bombing.

GLC09587.061

to the family of LeRoi Williams

LeRoi Williams writes to his family about his flight training and a recent cross country flight he made at night, from Chattanooga to Atlanta. He says he has enclosed the flight plan he used and describes how to read it.

GLC09587.062

[Eulogy for LeRoi Williams by his Family]

Eulogy for LeRoi Williams, attributed to his family. It lists LeRoi's accomplishments at both the Hampton Institute and the Tuskegee Army Air Force School, including his playing of chimes and his devotion to his family, country, and God. It ends with...

GLC09587.063

to Mrs. Cordelia S. Williams

Letter to Cordelia Williams from Ludo C. Pickett, the Director of Retirement Claims at the Railroad Retirement Board. Pickett says he has enclosed application forms that Williams must complete and return. The first page is missing. This may be the...

GLC09587.064

Olympic Social Club

Certificate for LeRoi Williams from the Olympic Social Club declaring him a fellow of the club and acknowledging his service to it. It is signed by President Spencer G. Shaw and Secretary Donald James Sampson.

GLC09587.065

[Vultee "Valiants"]

Newspaper clipping from unknown newspaper. Front is black and white photograph of planes and a man. Caption says: "late in 1943, when Kelly became a training center for instructors, these Vultee 'Valiants' joined its fleet." Handwritten notes say "BT...

GLC09587.066

["Swoose" plane]

This newspaper clipping is from an unknown newspaper. The front is a black and white photograph of a plane in flight. Caption reads: "designed for use in snow, this novel ski-wheel gear is on North American 'Texan' (AT-6, SNJ). It was dubbed 'Swoose...

GLC09587.067

27 Army Pilots

Two newspaper clippings about the graduation of "Le Roi" S. Williams from the "Tuskegee Army Air Field as second lieutenants in the Army Air Forces." The first clipping lists the names and hometowns of all the men who graduated from the Tuskegee Army...

GLC09587.068

Negro Pilot Dead in Plane Crash

Two newspaper articles are attached to a piece of paper. The first clipping is an article about the plane crash and death of Lt. LeRoi S. Williams. Included is a small black and white photograph of him. The second clipping is about another Lieutenant...

GLC09587.069

Negro Pilot Dead in Plane Crash

Newspaper clipping about the plane crash and death of Lt. LeRoi S. Williams. There is a small black and white photograph included. This clipping is the same as GLC09587.069.

GLC09587.070

Negroes' Flying Unit Scores First Victory

Newspaper clipping details a successful mission of a black air force unit. It mentions that General Dwight D. Eisenhower congratulated the first lieutenant, Charles Hall of Brazil, Indiana for shooting down an enemy plane.

GLC09587.071

Full Military Honors for Lt. LeRoi S. Williams

Two newspaper clippings. The front of the first has two black and white photographs, one is cut off at the top. The bottom one is of LeRoi Williams being lowered into the ground in a casket draped with an American flag. Text below the photo describes...

GLC09587.072

Two Virignia Pilots Die In Midair Crash

Three newspaper clippings from the same article about LeRoi Williams' death. The article notes that Williams and another pilot, Lt. William Walker, crashed into one another midair near Selfridge Field, Michigan, at 3:10pm, October 14, 1943. There is...

GLC09587.073

to Cordelia Williams

A Mother's Day Telegram from LeRoi Williams to his mother Cordelia.

GLC09587.074

to Cordelia Williams

A telegram from Colonel Boyd of Selfridge Field Air Base asking Cordelia Williams where her son LeRoi's remains should be sent.

GLC09587.075

to H Hamilton Williams

Condolence telegram written to H. Hamilton Williams after the death of his brother "Leroy".

GLC09587.076

to the Williams family

Condolence telegram written to the "William" family after the death of LeRoi Williams. Signed by "The Wainwrights."

GLC09587.077

to Mrs. C S Williams

Telegram written to Cordelia Williams informing her that "Brother" is arriving at 11:50 that night on "16=".

GLC09587.078

to Cordelia Williams

A condolence telegram sent to Cordelia Williams by Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Stewart after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.079

to James Williams and Family

A condolence telegram sent to James Williams and his family by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thompson after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.080

to Mrs James T Williams

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. James T. Williams by Clarence and Lillian Paxton Smith after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.081

to Mrs Cordelia Williams and Family

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia Williams and family by Lt. and Mrs. M. H. Law after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.082

to Mrs Cordelia S Williams

A telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia S. Williams by Colonel Boyd after the death of LeRoi Williams, informing her that his remains will arrive in Roanoke on Sunday evening. Written at Selfridge Air National Guard Base

GLC09587.083

to Mrs Cordelia Williams

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia Williams by Forrest J. Parks after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.084

to Miss Geraldine Williams and Family

A condolence telegram sent to Miss Geraldine Williams by Scout Troop #44 after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.085

to Mrs Cordelia Williams and Family

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia Williams by Lucy Addison High School Class of 1936 after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.086

to the Williams Family

A condolence telegram sent to the Williams Family by Edward M. Abbott after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.087

to Mrs Cordelia Williams and Family

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia Williams by Mrs. Bertha Martin and family after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.088

to Virginia Kent

Condolence telegram written to Virginia Kent after the death of her brother LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.089

to Cordelia Williams

Condolence telegram from Grayce Salley, written to "Mrs James Williams Sr." after the death of her son LeRoi. Just below the message is handwritten, "Christiansburg Inst. Va".

GLC09587.090

to Mrs. Cordelia Williams and Family

Condolence telegram written to the Williams family after the death of LeRoi Williams from the Local Teacher Association.

GLC09587.091

to Mr and Mrs James Williams

Condolence telegram written to the Cordelia Williams after the death of her son LeRoi from Dorothy and Frank Tucker. A handwritten note below the message, reads "50 Miller Street Newark, N.J"

GLC09587.092

to Cordelia Williams and Family

Condolence telegram sent to the Williams family after the death of LeRoi Williams from Mr and Mrs. George A. Moore.

GLC09587.093

to Mrs Cordelia Williams and Family

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia Williams by Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Williams after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.094

to Mrs Cordelia Williams & Family

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia Williams by the Gainsboro Faculty after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.095

to Mrs Cordia Williams

A condolence telegram sent to Mrs. Cordelia Williams by Troy P. Gorum after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.096

to the Williams Family

A condolence telegram sent to the Williams family by J. Cloudis Toles after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.097

to James Williams and Mother

A condolence telegram sent to James and Cordelia Williams by the Norfolk & Western Male Chorus after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.098

to H. Hamilton Williams

Telegram is from Flemmie P. Kittrell sending sympathies to H. Hamilton Williams, LeRoi's brother, on behalf of his passing. He also apologizes for not being able to say good-bye before leaving for the funeral.

GLC09587.099

to H. Hamilton Williams

Telegram is from T. Lucille Salisbury to H. Hamilton Williams expressing sympathy for the loss of his brother, LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.100

to H. Hamilton Williams and Family

Telegram is from Ethel Butche and Lareme Granes to H. Hamilton Williams saying that they hope the pride he has for his brother makes the news of his death less painful.

GLC09587.101

to Mr. and Mrs. H. Hamilton Williams and Family

Telegram is from Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Gill to Mr. and Mrs. H. Hamilton Williams and family apologizing that they could not make it to LeRoi's funeral.

GLC09587.102

to Mrs. Cordella Williams and Family

Telegram is from the First Baptist Church Senior Choir to Mrs "Cordella" Williams and her family sending sympathies for the loss of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.103

to the Williams family

Telegram sent to the Williams family by the Walker family, after the death of LeRoi Williams. The telegram expresses sympathy and mentions "a great loss to both our families." This is most likely from the family of Lt. William H. Walker, the other...

GLC09587.104

to Mrs. Cordelia Williams

Sympathy telegram sent to Cordelia Williams by "Mae and family," after the death of LeRoi Williams.

GLC09587.106

to Dr. H. Hamilton Williams

Sympathy telegram sent to H. Hamilton Williams by Dr. and Mrs. Spaulding, after the death of Williams' brother LeRoi.

GLC09587.107

[LeRoi Williams and two possible siblings]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams with two possible siblings. It is likely that the girl in the center is Virginia Williams, his older sister, and that the boy on the right is one of his brothers.

GLC09587.108

[LeRoi Williams]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a youth.

GLC09587.109

LeRoi Williams

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a youth.

GLC09587.110

[LeRoi Williams]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a youth.

GLC09587.111

[LeRoi Williams]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a youth.

GLC09587.112

[LeRoi Williams]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a young man in a garden.

GLC09587.113

[LeRoi Williams]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a youth.

GLC09587.114

[LeRoi Williams]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a youth.

GLC09587.115

[LeRoi Williams]

A photograph of LeRoi Williams as a young man in his military uniform. It was found with a newspaper article titled "27 Army Pilots" (see GLC09587.068).

GLC09587.116

[T. A. Wilson]

A photograph of T. A. Wilson, a Major in the United States Air Force. He is sitting behind his desk. On the desk, there is his nameplate, a photograph of a woman, and many tall stacks of bills.

GLC09587.117

[People sitting on stoop]

Group of men and one woman sitting on a stoop. They are all wearing shirts with wings and an "H" on them. LeRoi Williams may be in the photograph.

GLC09587.118

[Planes in a field]

Four planes in a field. Reverse says "photography by Otis E. Finley Jr. 2nd Lt. H.C Box 89, I AAF, Alabama."

GLC09587.119

[LeRoi Williams' funeral]

LeRoi Williams' casket, draped with an American flag with mourners surrounding him.

GLC09587.120

[Men standing around LeRoi's Williams' casket]

LeRoi Williams' casket, draped with an American flag with mourners surrounding him. Three men are standing over the casket.

GLC09587.121

[Carrying LeRoi's body from funeral]

Men carrying LeRoi Williams' casket, draped with an American flag, down the stairs from his funeral. There are mourners in the background.

GLC09587.122

[Standing outside church]

Mourners standing outside the church after LeRoi Williams' funeral.

GLC09587.123

[Mourners standing outside church]

Mourners standing outside the church after LeRoi Williams' funeral. The photograph is similar to GLC09587.123 but there is a larger crowd in the street.

GLC09587.124

[Mourners walking into church]

Mourners walking into the Church for LeRoi Williams' funeral. The photograph is similar to GLC09587.123 and GLC09587.124.

GLC09587.125

[LeRoi' Williams' funeral]

Three men standing over LeRoi's casket, draped with an American flag. There are other mourners in the background. Photograph is the same as GLC09587.121.

GLC09587.126

[color photograph of LeRoi Williams' funeral]

In the center of the room sits a flag draped coffin, above, a picture of LeRoi Williams. The room is filled with flowers.

GLC09587.127

The Southern Workman: The Public Forum And Civic Education

The September 1937 issue of The Southern Workman, the monthly pamphlet of the Hampton Institute. It published a letter written to the Hon. Newton D. Baker by LeRoi Williams, thanking him for $100 of scholarship aid.

GLC09587.128

Airways Flying: A Handbook For Military Pilots

A handbook of procedures, vocabulary, and policies for military pilots in World War II.

GLC09587.129

The Hampton Bulletin: Veterans Homecoming Number

A booklet dedicated to the alumni and students of the Hampton Institute who served in World War II and how the Institute ran during the war. There is a photo of LeRoi S. Williams on page 22 and a caption about his service and death. Vol 43.

GLC09587.130

Certification of Student Solo Cross County Flight

Details of a Solo Cross-Country Flight made by LeRoi Williams. Gives checkpoints, times, altitude, conditions, and instructor notes. Signed by James A. Honaker.

GLC09587.131.02

[Selfridge Field pilot's banner]

A square-shaped textile piece with blue and white braided fringe. In the center, there is a blue circle with gold edge. On the blue circle is a red circle over a white star with gold wings. In each corner of the textile, there is a blue airplane. The...

GLC09587.132

Commonwealth of Virginia, department of education

Diploma awarded to Eugene Warsenure Williams for graduating from Lucy Addison High School. It is signed by the Principal, Superintendent of Schools, and Chairman of School Board. There is a seal and stamp from the school. Bottom left corner of...

GLC09587.133

[Acceptance to Hampton Institute]

Envelope and note documenting admission to the Hampton Institute. Envelope is addressed to Mr. Eugene W. Williams from the Student Personnel Services. The note within it asks Eugene to arrive on September 2, 1942.

GLC09587.134

[Eugene Williams' class schedule]

Eugene Williams' class schedule at the Hampton Institute. Mentions the time and location of each of his classes: P.E, Chemistry, Com., Biology, Math, and Poultry Husbandry. Reverse has a note about schedule of an exam written in pen.

GLC09587.135

[Eugene Williams' physical examination]

Letter to Eugene Williams refers him to the local board for a preliminary physical examination. It is signed by a member of the local board.

GLC09587.136

[Eugene Williams' acceptance to aviation training]

Document certifies Eugene Williams' acceptance to the Hampton Institute for Aviation Cadet Air Crew Training. It is noted that he qualified on November 17th, 1943. Letter is stamped from November 23rd, 1943. Letter is from Charles, York A., President...

GLC09587.137

to Cordelia Williams

Postcard to Cordelia Williams from Eugene Williams. He writes on the reverse that the scene on the front of postcard is where he goes boating. He mentions that he took his exams recently and is waiting for results. He also says he is happy to hear...

GLC09587.138

to Eugene Williams

Letter to Eugene Williams certifies him as a marksman, stating that he earned a score of 143. He is authorized to purchase and wear the marksman medal.

GLC09587.139

to Mr. Jiggs Williams

Postcard from Eugene Williams to his family and Mr. Jiggs Williams, most likely one of his brothers. He writes that he does not have enough time to write a full letter. In the postcard he describes the scene on the front, where men are marching in...

GLC09587.140

[Eugene Williams becomes sergeant]

Document states that Eugene Williams is promoted from cadet flight sergeant to sergeant.

GLC09587.141

Tuskegee Institute Diploma

Diploma from the Tuskegee Institute certifying that Eugene Williams completed his course in elementary flying as an aviation cadet. It is signed by the President, General Manager, commanding officer, and one other man.

GLC09587.142

Army Air Forces Training Command Certificate

The certificate of Eugene Williams' completion of training to be a Basic Single Engine Pilot at Tuskegee Air Field. It is signed by Major Gabe C. Hawkins, director of training and operations, and Lieutenant Colonel Donald G. McPherson, deputy...

GLC09587.143

Army Air Forces Training Command Diploma

Eugene Williams' diploma upon completion of Advanced Single Engine Pilot training at Tuskegee Air Field. It is signed by Major Gabe C. Hawkins, director of training and operations, and Colonel Noel F. Parrish

GLC09587.144

Army Air Forces Training Command Diploma

A certification of Eugene Williams' qualification as a marksman with a pistol. He scored 62%. The certification is issued by the Technical School and Basic Training Center at Keesler Field, Mississippi and signed by Commanding Captain James Hunter.

GLC09587.145

[Form certifying Cordelia Williams' dependence status]

This paper certifies that Cordelia Williams was financially dependent on Eugene Williams. It states that she needs $130-135 dollars per month, and that she does not make more than $50 per month. It is signed Eugene W. Williams, 2d Lt, Air Corps.

GLC09587.146

[Military forms from Tuskegee]

Military forms from Tuskegee, Alabama, with the names and addresses of lieutenants and officers, including Eugene Williams.

GLC09587.147

Honorable Discharge

Honorable discharge for Eugene Williams from Squadron "H" 2143d AAF Base Unit in the Army of the United States, at Tuskeee Army Air Field in Alabama. It is signed by Lieutenant Colonel John G. Cooke Jr, director of administration and services. His...

GLC09587.148

Graduation Exercise

The program from Eugene Williams' graduation from Class 45-E of the United States Army. On the front, there is a drawing of a soldier. Half of his face is white and the other half is shaded.

GLC09587.149

Graduation Exercise

This is a letter sent to Eugene Williams appointing him to temporary Second Lieutenant. It is signed by Raymond Barron, Acting Adjutant General.

GLC09587.150

Authorization for Allotment of Pay

Document authorizing a portion of Eugene W. Williams' pay to be deducted and given to the Veterans Administration. Signed by Eugene W. Williams and Alton R. F. Williams. Identical to GLC09587.154 other than a red mark near the bottom of page.

GLC09587.153

Authorization for Allotment of Pay

Document authorizing a portion of Eugene W. Williams pay to be deducted and given to the Veterans Administration. Signed by Eugene W. Williams and Alton R. F. Williams. Identical to GLC09587.153 other than that does not contain a red mark on the...

GLC09587.154

Notifiction of Discontinuance of Allotment

Document stating that $320.50 per month will no longer be allotted from Eugene W. Williams' pay to give to his mother, Cordelia S. Williams. Signed by Eugene W. Williams. "201" is written in red pencil near the top left corner. "17" is written in red...

GLC09587.155