Luke J Weathers was born in Grenada Mississippi, but his family moved to Memphis soon afterwards. Luke graduated from Booker T Washington High School in 1939, and then attended Lane College, graduating with a degree in Biology. In 1943 he entered the Army and attended the flight-training program at Tuskegee University, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen. He was one of over 900 Black Americans who proved that they could fly and operate effectively during war conditions.
The Tuskegee Airmen escorted US and Allied bombers and never lost a bomber. During his time with the airmen he flew more than 71 missions over Europe. Captain Weathers flew P-39 Air-cobras and later P-51 Mustangs. He shot down 8 Nazi fighters, two while escorting a crippled American Bomber while over Europe.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the driving force behind the armed services integrating in the 1950’s.
When the war ended he was given a hero’s welcome and a parade on Beale Street where more than 28,000 Memphians turned out to participate.
Captain Weathers worked for the Phillip Morris Company and the Royal Crown Company, and was the first African American Air Traffic Controller. He opened a flight school and provided vocational educational to veterans. He was a motivational speaker and raised 5 children.
In 2007 he and other surviving members were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.
Luke J Weathers Died on October 15, 2011, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery as a Lt. Colonel.
Lt. Colonel Weathers is an American Hero.