Lee Rayford

Lee Rayford (April 1, 1918 - April 29, 1967) was a high profile African American World War II U.S. Army Air Force officer, Commander of the 301st Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group and fighter pilot within the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron (best known as the all-African American Tuskegee Airmen, "Red Tails," or among enemy German pilots, “Schwartze Vogelmenschen” ("Black Birdmen")). He served as the Commander of Howard University's Air Force ROTC Program.
Rayford was the first African American U.S. military pilot to engage in aerial combat against an enemy combatant, sharing this honor with 99th Fighter Squadron pilots Sidney P. Brooks, , Willie Ashley, Leon Roberts and Spann Watson.
As a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen or "Red Tails", Rayford flew 90 combat missions, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as a Purple Heart for flak injuries he received June 4 1944 during the 332nd Fighter Group’s first mission conducting a fighter sweep of the Ferrara-Bologna area for the Fifteenth Air Force. During World War II, Rayford flew the P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunder Bolt and the famed P-51 Mustang from 1941-1945.
Early Life and family
Rayford was born April 1, 1918 in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. He attended Howard University in Washington, DC. and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, graduating from Howard University with a bachelor degree in science.
Until his death in 1967, Rayford was married to Marion Washington Rayford (August 10, 1918 - August 9, 2004).
Military Service, “Tuskegee Airmen” or "Red Tails"
In 1941, Rayford applied and was admitted to the US Army Air Corp’s Flight Training Program at the Tuskegee Army Flying School in Tuskegee, Alabama. After graduating in the School’s 3rd Class - Class 42E on May 20, 1942, Rayford received his wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in May 1942 with the serial number 0789437.

During World War II, he served with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron, and later became the Commander of the 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Squadron. Rayford flew 90 combat missions, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart for flak shrapnel injuries he received June 4 1944: during the 332nd Fighter Group’s first mission with the Fifteenth Air Force conducting a fighter sweep of the Ferrara-Bologna area.
On June 18, 1943, Rayford’s P-40 aircraft was hit multiple times as his 99th Fighter Squadron encountered enemy aircraft.
On December 4, 1943, Lee Rayford was reassigned from the 99th Fighter Squadron to the 301st Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group.
On February 28, 1944, Rayford, now a Captain, assumed command of the 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron, replacing Capt. Charles H. DeBow, one of the first fiveAfrican American Army pilots who was relieved of command because of physical disabilities.
Rayford was one of six 332nd Fighter Group pilots to have earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for an August 12, 1944 strafing attack mission of radar stations in southern France, all in preparation for the Allied’s August 15, 1944 invasion of southern France. Brigadier General Dean C. Strother, commander of the XV Fighter Command, awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses to Rayford on January 1, 1945.
In January 1945, Rayford returned to the United States. Armour G. McDaniel replaced Rayford as Commander of the 301st Fighter Squadron.
Post-World War II Military Career
After returning to the United States, Rayford was promoted to Major and became the Commander of Howard University's Air Force ROTC Program where he taught military science, tactics and Air Force administration. He was eventually promoted to Lt Colonel, serving in the Air Force Reserves until his retirement.
Death
Rayford died April 29, 1967 at the age of 49. He is interred at the in Plot B, 5127.<ref name="americanair"/>

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