Tuskegee Airman honored for service in World War II

A local World War II veteran is being honored for his distinguished service record.

Marion “Rodge” Rodgers always wanted to be a pilot.

“I always did like airplanes for some reason, from the time I was a little boy,” Rodgers said.

With a passion for aviation and a love for his country, Rodgers enlisted in the military.

Rodgers joined the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American combat pilots during World War II.

Rodgers is part African-American, and had noticeably lighter skin than his fellow airmen.

“With my complexion, I felt like holy smokes, these guys don’t want me to join them,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers deployed to Ramitelli, Italy in 1944. He joined the 99th Fighter Squadron and piloted the P-52 Mustang for nearly 70 combat missions.

After serving in the Air Force for more than 22 years, Rodgers worked for NORAD and NASA.

The Non-Commissioned Officers Association honored Rodgers with a World War II legacy medal on Monday.

“He’s an inspiration,” Jim Mallette said. He is a trustee for the Mountain Post Chapter of the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. “This medallion is something he’ll be able to pass on to his family as an heirloom.”

Rodgers said he wasn’t expecting the recognition.

“It is wonderful,” he said. “I didn’t know so many people would want to say thank you.”