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Certificate of Competency No. 17943-40

Document certifying LeRoi S. Williams as a Private Pilot , lists the courses and hours required for certification, and signed by Robert N. Niuray (Chairman of Authority), W.E. Carter (Ground School), and Charles W. Barclay (President of Flight School...

GLC09587.013

Airman's License No. 1794

LeRoi Williams' license to be a Private Aircraft Pilot in the State of Virginia. Expires June 30, 1941. Signed by State Corporation Commission Chairman (illegible). The back lists the rules and regulations surrounding the license (printed). Someone...

GLC09587.014

Airman Rating Record No. 17493-40

LeRoi Williams' rating record, meant to accompany his certificate of completion of the Private Aircraft Pilot program. His address is listed as 174 W. Queen St., Hampton, Virginia. Signed by Joe H. Staley, Civil Aeronautics Inspector. Stamped with...

GLC09587.015

Honorable Discharge for LeRoi S. Williams, Aviation Cadet, 13071318, Aviation Cadet Detachment

Document certifying that LeRoi S. Williams was honorably discharged from the Military Service. Signed by Lieutenant Colonel Noel F. Parrish. The back contains his enlistment record including physical description, some medical information, and...

GLC09587.018

Announcing the Graduation of Class SE-43-G, Tuskegee Army Air Field Tuskegee, Alabama

Graduation program from LeRoi's graduation from the Tuskegee Institute. Lists the names of the graduates and the schedule of events.

GLC09587.019

to Geraldyne Williams

In this postcard LeRoi writes home to his sister, Geraldyne [Geraldine] Williams. He is writing from Oscoda, Michigan and the front of the postcard is of the main street. He jokes that he isn't kidding when he says that there isn't much to do in the...

GLC09587.020

Claim for National Service Life Insurance

Cordelia B. Williams' claim for the National Service Life Insurance Policy taken out by her son LeRoi Shelton Williams. She began to fill it out after her sons' death but appears to not have finished or had it notarized. She details her relationship...

GLC09587.021

to Cordelia Williams

Brigadier General of the U.S Army writes a condolence to Cordelia Williams for the loss of her son, LeRoi. He offers his apologies and says that at least her son was fighting for a good cause when he lost his life. The letter is signed by the General...

GLC09587.022

to Cordelia Williams

Mrs. Thompson writes a condolence letter to Mrs. Williams for the loss of LeRoi. She extends her deepest sympathies and says that Williams can visit her any time.

GLC09587.023

to Cordelia Williams

This letter is from Marion C. Deane, Secretary of Records and Placements in the Hampton Institute. She sends her sympathies on the news of "Leroy's" death. She says that all of the Williams children are good kids and offers a photo she has of "Leroy...

GLC09587.024

to Cordelia Williams

This letter is from Chaplain Captain Cyrus W. Perry who writes to Cordelia Williams. He offers his sympathies for the loss of her son "Leroy" and says he will be there for anything she needs of him. Written at Selfridge Air National Guard Base

GLC09587.025

to Williams Family

Condolence letter from acting President of the Hampton Institute, R. O'Hara. He extends his sympathies and tells the family that "Leroy" died nobly.

GLC09587.026

to Cordelia Williams

Condolence letter from the Dean of Men, Walter R. Brown, from the Hampton Institute. He extends his sorrows on the passing of "Leroi." He writes that no child should die before their parents.

GLC09587.027

Sympathies for the Williams Family

This note has religious rhyming resolutions on behalf of the death of LeRoi Williams. The note says the Maggie L. Waler Ambulance Corps community is grieving for him and his family. This note is the first part of a note continued on GLC09587.029. It...

GLC09587.028

Sympathies for the Williams Family

This note says that God is the only thing that can comfort broken hearts, in reference to the passing of LeRoi Williams. This note is a continuation of GLC09587.028.

GLC09587.029

The Obituary

This document is an obituary for LeRoi Williams. Walt Whitman's poem "Pioneers! O Pioneers!" is quoted. The writing on the bottom of the document implies that this eulogy was given at the First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Virginia. It says that LeRoi...

GLC09587.030

to Mrs Cordelia Williams

Letter from the Air Corps' Custodian of Funds, James Pughsley, informing Cordelia of LeRoi's unpaid board bill and instructing her where to send the payment. Written at Selfridge Air National Guard Base

GLC09587.031

to Mrs Cordelia Williams

Carbon copy of a letter from the Air Corps' Custodian of Funds, James Pughsley, informing Cordelia of LeRoi's unpaid board bill and instructing her where to send the payment. Written at Selfridge Air National Guard Base

GLC09587.032

to Mrs Cordelia Williams

Envelope addressed to Mrs. Cordelia Williams, 221 Harrison Ave. N.E. Roanoke, Virginia. From Lt Theodore A. Wilson 100th Fights Squadron 33nd Flights Group Selfridge Field, Michigan. Written at Selfridge Air National Guard Base

GLC09587.033

to Mrs. Williams

A condolence letter from the Chaplain at Hampton Institute. He expresses his admiration for LeRoi, including LeRoi's playing of the Church Tower chimes. The signature is illegible.

GLC09587.034

to Mrs Cordelia Williams

A letter from Lt. Theodore A. Wilson to Cordelia Williams. He begins by describing the Thanksgiving meal he had the previous day and then asks her to let him know whether she has paid her son's B.O.Q. bill and if so, what payment method she used.

GLC09587.037

to Mr. R.J. Hinton

A letter to the Director of Dependents Claims Services at the Veterans Administration, in which Cordelia Williams explains that when she initially filled out the form to claim LeRoi's life insurance, she stated that she recieved no allotment from any...

GLC09587.038

to Mrs. Cordelia S. Williams

A letter to Cordelia Williams from the Railroad Retirement Board explaining what she must do to claim the death benefits she may be able to recieve on behalf of her son "Le Roi" Shelton Williams.

GLC09587.039

to Mrs. Cordelia S. Williams

A letter to Cordelia Williams from the Railroad Retirement Board explaining that in order to receive benefits after the death of her son LeRoi Shelton Williams, she must submit proof of his death and the information about whom he worked under at the...

GLC09587.040

to Cordelia Williams

This letter from the Michigan Department of Health states that they do not yet have a copy of the record of death of LeRioi Williams to send to Cordelia Williams but will get it to her as soon as possible. It is signed by the acting director...

GLC09587.041

to Cordelia Williams

Letter from the United States of America Railroad Retirement Board states that Coredlia Williams may be entitled to some money because of the death of LeRoi Williams. There are instructions of what documents to provide in order to recieve payment.

GLC09587.042

to Cordelia Williams

The letter states the $10.68 money award that Cordelia Williams will receive on bahalf of "Le Roi" Williams. The money given to her was earned by LeRoi who appears to have worked for a railroad company.

GLC09587.043

Last Will and Testament of LeRoi Williams

This document is the last will and testament of LeRoi Williams and is signed by him. There is a stamp on the reverse with the date when it was received by. It was written on August 31, 1943. He leaves his estate "real, personal, and mixed" to his...

GLC09587.044

to Cordelia Williams

Colonel Charles D. Carle of the War Department writes that enclosed is the last Will and Testament of 2nd Lt. LeRoi S. Williams and extends his sympathies.

GLC09587.045

Program of the Chapel Service

The program lists the order of speakers and singers for a chapel service that was most likely for LeRoi Williams. It also lists who the pallbearers and flower girls were.

GLC09587.046

Military Escort From Woodrum Field

This document is a list of the men who were a part of a military escort and a firing party.

GLC09587.047

to Cordelia Williams

Mrs. M. W. Payne writes that she is sorry for the loss of LeRoi and mentions that she has lost three of her own childen. She also writes that she included a cake with the letter and for Cordelia to reach out if she needs anything.

GLC09587.048

[Receipt for flying]

This receipt for flying notes that LeRoi Williams flew "18'' solo" and earned $1.50. The reverse of the note says "Wikingins."

GLC09587.049

[Receipt for flying]

This receipt for flying notes that LeRoi Williams flew "20'' solo" and earned $1.67.

GLC09587.050

[Receipt for flying]

This receipt for flying notes that LeRoi Williams flew "30m solo" and earned $2.50.

GLC09587.051

[Receipt for flying]

This receipt for flying notes that LeRoi Williams flew "17-J-3-L-50" and earned $1.42.

GLC09587.052

"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