LTC Lee Andrew Archer Jr.: A Legacy of Excellence and Advocacy in Military Aviation
Lieutenant Colonel Lee Andrew Archer Jr. was a Tuskegee Airman and a trailblazer in military aviation. In this blog, we explore Lee Andrew Archer Jr.'s life and legacy, highlighting his contributions to the field of aviation and his role as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the military.
Early Life and Military Service of Lee Andrew Archer Jr.
Lee Andrew Archer Jr. was born on September 8, 1919, in Yonkers, New York. He attended New York University and was a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). In 1943, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps and was assigned to the Tuskegee Airmen.
Tuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots who served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Despite facing discrimination and segregation within the military, the Tuskegee Airmen distinguished themselves as highly skilled and courageous aviators, and played a crucial role in the Allied victory.
Lee Andrew Archer Jr. was one of the Tuskegee Airmen's most accomplished pilots. He flew more than 160 combat missions in Europe and North Africa, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and skill.
The Legacy of Lee Andrew Archer Jr.
After the war, Lee Andrew Archer Jr. continued his career in aviation. He became the first African American air traffic controller in the United States, and later served as a professor of aerospace studies at New York University.
Throughout his career, Lee Andrew Archer Jr. was a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the military and aviation industries. He was a founding member of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and promoting opportunities for African Americans in aviation.
Lieutenant Colonel Lee Andrew Archer Jr. was a trailblazer in military aviation and a champion of diversity and inclusion. His bravery and skill as a pilot, combined with his commitment to advocating for equal opportunities and representation, inspired generations of aviators and activists.
Today, we honor Lee Andrew Archer Jr.'s legacy and the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen to military aviation and American history. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and representation in all industries, and the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
AVI-8 X Tuskegee Airmen Inc.
AVI-8 is proud to announce the release of the Flyboy Tuskegee Airmen Meca-quartz Limited Edition - an important timepiece commemorating and supporting the mission and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
We're proud to have also collaborated with award-winning Atlanta-based artist Derrick Whitfield, on a series of custom portraits each dedicated to four of the Tuskegees' most famous pilots. More than a timepiece, this is a timeless commemoration and celebration of perhaps one of the most important chapters in American aviation history.
Proceeds from the sale of the Flyboy Tuskegee Meca-Quartz Limited Edition go towards the TAI Inc Charity and their important work through education, youth initiatives, and more, honoring and perpetuating the achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen.