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100-Yr.-Old Bergen Tuskegee Airman Gets WWII Service Medal
Pvt. Roscoe Draper served in World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen and trained fighter pilots.
WESTWOOD, NJ —Roscoe Draper served as a Tuskegee Airman during World War II.
Draper served from 1942 to 1945 as a private, but never received his Tuskegee Airmen Bronze Medal until Wednesday.
Draper, 100, also trained Tuskegee pilots. The Tuskegee Airmen was a group of African-American military fighter and bomber pilots who served during war with the U.S. Army Air Corps, the predecessor of the U.S. Air Force.
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The Tuskegee Airmen went on to become one of the most respected groups of fighter pilots of World War II.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat representing New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District, presented Draper with the service medal.
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"Private Draper has lived a remarkable life and his service to our country is an example to us all," said Gottheimer. "He embodies so much that is great about our country. Despite facing intense discrimination, Private Draper stepped up and served our country during World II, protected our democracy and freedom, and we are so much better for it. I am incredibly grateful for Private Draper’s service and the opportunity to afford him the recognition he so truly deserves."
Related: John R. Branch, Original Tuskegee Airman, Died Wednesday
Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com
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