U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Ferrier H. White, a Tuskegee Airman took off on April 5, 1945 from Ramitelli Air Base, Italy, in a P-51C Mustang. While flying over the Adriatic Sea, White’s aircraft went down into the water. His remains have not been recovered or identified. (DPAA)
(Tribune News Service) — Elyria native and 2nd Lt. Ferrier White, a Tuskegee Airman who lost his life during World War II, was honored April 5 with a street sign at the corner of South Maple Street and Oberlin Road in Elyria, exactly 79 years after this death.
During the event, members of the Elyria Black Legacy Connection, family members of White and city leaders from Elyria spoke to honor him.
Local veterans presented the colors and honored White with a three-volley salute.
Elyria Black Legacy Connection founder Ethan West presented biographical information on White at the event.
White grew up in Elyria, played football for Elyria High School and graduated in 1939.
After graduating, he worked at Sears Roebuck Co. in Elyria and lived in Oberlin.
White enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1942 and received his wings and his second lieutenant. ranking in October 1944.
He was assigned to the 100th fighter squadron and the 332nd fighter group based in Italy.
West shared that White, who was 23, was on a mission when he went missing April 5, 1945, over the Adriatic Sea.
White’s remains were never found.
West noted that White is honored at the Florence American Cemetery in Italy and the Soldiers Monument in Oberlin, but had not yet been honored in Elyria.
“We thank Oberlin for being good hosts, but now we’re bringing him back home,” he said.
After West’s remarks, the new street sign with White’s name and picture was unveiled at the corner of South Maple Street and Oberlin Road, across from where White lived at 368 S. Maple St.
A notable attendee of the event was White’s Sister, Sarah Price, who was presented with the flag to honor her brother.
Elyria Fifth Ward Councilman Brad Armstrong delivered opening remarks at the event.
Armstrong said the local connection between White and his own roots in Elyria are powerful.
“It was an honor to be able to present the Purple Heart recipient 2nd Lt. Ferrier White in my own neighborhood,” the councilman said. “This is the street my great grandfather lived on.”
Armstrong said it is was meaningful to honor a local World War II veteran because those opportunities are less common as time goes on.
“Being able to see this happen in my years of living, you don’t see this too much in my generation,” he said. “It was a great turnout today, and it’s pretty cool.”
The Tuskegee Airmen were dedicated, determined young men who volunteered to become America’s first Black military airmen.
From 1941-46, some 1,000 Black pilots were trained at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
The Airmen’s success in escorting bombers during World War II — having one of the lowest loss records of all the escort fighter groups, and being in constant demand for their services by the allied bomber units.
(c)2024 The Morning Journal, Lorain, Ohio
Visit The Morning Journal
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
