Recognizing the remarkable achievements and patriotic service of late Michigan native Captain Claude A. Rowe, Jr., the only known member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen authorized to fly for two Allied countries during World War II.

Whereas Captain Claude Alexander Rowe, Jr., a United States Air Force veteran, Tuskegee Airman, and noble patriot whose character and deeds in life merit gratitude and respectful acknowledgment from his beloved country; Whereas, born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, to Jamaican immigrants, Louise Giscombe Rowe and Claude A. Rowe, Sr., Captain Rowe attended Cass Technical High School, where he excelled in his studies and ran track; Whereas at Cass Technical High School, he also participated in the school’s Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program, earning distinction as a top sharpshooter in sporting competitions; Whereas Claude’s curiosity about flying and love of mathematics led him to study aeronautical engineering at the Lawrence Institute of Technology (today called Lawrence Technological University); Whereas after the outbreak of World War II, he recognized the opportunity to become a pilot to protect the country he dearly loved by answering the call of duty and he left school to join the fight for freedom; Whereas Claude was discouraged from joining the Army Air Corps and told he would be allowed to enlist only as a kitchen worker or serve an officer as their personal aide as there were institutional roadblocks for Claude and all people of color pursuing their dreams in the United States military; Whereas Claude was not easily discouraged and decided to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, where they would allow him to earn his pilot wings, which he achieved as Sergeant pilot late in 1944; Whereas Claude returned to the United States to join the Army Air Corps Tuskegee Airmen Program in 1945, earning his pilot wings and the rank of Second Lieutenant in June of 1946; Whereas advancing through the ranks, Claude distinguished himself for his capacity and skill while flying the WB–50 and B–29 Superfortress heavy bombers and he fulfilled assignments to post-war Germany and Japan, Korea (present-day South Korea), England, and the United States, including classified assignments during the cold war; Whereas Claude continued his professional growth by attaining expertise as one of the first African Americans to graduate from the highly competitive and rigorous Weather Officer school; Whereas Claude enjoyed a 21-year career with the United States Air Force before retiring in 1966 with the rank of Captain; Whereas bringing great distinction to himself as the only known Tuskegee Airman to have finished two demanding government pilot training programs and earning the right to wear pilot wings from both Canada and the United States, Claude was further honored by his country in 2007, when he and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen were recognized for their service and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal; Whereas beyond his military service, Claude continued serving his community during his successful career in the banking industry as a bank manager and vice president; and Whereas Claude loved traveling with Winifride, his wife of 67 years, spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and Claude also inspired two of his daughters and one of his grandchildren to serve in the United States military: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) memorializes Captain Claude A. Rowe, Jr., for his illustrious record of personal and professional achievements, devotion to his family and friends, and unwavering loyalty to and love for his country; (2) remembers Captain Rowe as a transcendent hero who fought for democracy, a trailblazer of the skies, and a sentinel of the rights and liberties of all; and (3) this resolution shall be referred to as the Honorable Captain Claude A. Rowe, Jr. Resolution

Summary: Honorable Captain Claude A. Rowe, Jr. ResolutionThis resolution memorializes Captain Claude A. Rowe Jr. for his record of personal and professional achievements, devotion to his family and friends, and loyalty and love for his country.