Roscoe C. Brown Jr, a decorated member of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen in 2nd World War and an advocate for racial equality has died July 2nd, 2016 at the age of 94.

Brown, a Tuskegee airman was a commander of the elite African-American fighter squadron.

He flew 68 combat missions and is famous for being the first U.S pilot to bring down a German fighter jet. The success of the Tuskegee Airmen became a symbol of skill and bravery. Their stellar performance, discipline and achievements helped to eliminate the perception that African Americans were inferior in the military or could not take advanced training.

After the war, Brown went on to get a Ph.D. in education and served as the president for Bronx Community college for 17 years. Later, he joined The City University of New York Graduate Center as director of the Center for Urban Education Policy.

According to Gordon H. Mueller, CEO and president of The National World War II Museum, Brown led a full life-a life of meaning. He will be remembered as a man of courage, a leader and an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a role model to African Americans and will continue to be an inspiration, said Mueller.

Brown had been experiencing poor health since last year.

In May, he had a pacemaker installed. He died on July 2 at a hospital in New York surrounded by his family.

References:

1. http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/06/us/tuskegee-airman-roscoe-brown-dies/

2. http://www.theroot.com/articles/news/2016/07/former-tuskegee-airman-roscoe-c-brown-jr- dies-at-94/

3. http://www.nola.com/living/index.ssf/2016/07/tuskegee_airman_roscoe_c_brown.html