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Citrus Heights Messenger

An American Aviation Hero

Jul 16, 2021 12:00AM ● By Story and photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Chauncey E. Spencer II (second left) brings his mobile museum to the Aerospace Museum of California. An image of his father (center) is central to the trailer exterior. Visiting the recent exhibit on African American achievement is Museum CEO Tom Jones (left) and Southwest Airlines pilot Tyrone Ward. Captain Ward volunteers as a Museum director. Flanking the trio are portraits of aviators Bessie Coleman and Cornelius Coffey.

Aerospace Museum Hosts African Americans in Aviation Mobile Exhibition

MCCLELLAN, CA (MPG) - An exhibition detailing contributions to aviation by African Americans touched down last week at the Aerospace Museum of California.  Contained in a restored 1937 Pierce Arrow trailer, the program was viewed by more than 600 people in four days.

Trailer and curator Chauncey E. Spencer II began the educational pilgrimage in Palm Desert last year.  “African Americans in Aviation” has since presented in 25 cities in 18 states. Repurposed as a mini-theater, Spencer’s vintage trailer screens a documentary on his Greatest Generation father’s achievements for flight and humanity. Against all odds in the 1930s, the pilot/civil rights activist found wings. He then opened the door for other African Americans to fly. Preserving this part of Americana is a labor of love – and family pride – for the pioneer’s son.

The elder Chauncey E. Spencer was raised by a poet mom and a business entrepreneur dad in Lynchburg, Virginia. Like millions of his generation, he was galvanized by the feats of aviation pioneers.  When he sought flying lessons, an instructor told him: “We don’t teach coloreds to fly, as they don’t have the intelligence.”

“Of course, that hurt my father,” says the younger Spencer.  “But it didn’t break him.” The Lynchburg family moved heaven and earth to pay for flying lessons. As US entered WWII, massive pilot-training programs were initiated – but only for white applicants. Spencer and fellow pilot Dale White began a campaign for change. They found sponsors for a 10-city flight, geared to encourage Black Universities to teach aviation. The only aircraft the pilots could rent was a battered Lincoln Page biplane.  When the WWI relic failed in flight over Ohio, sheer pilot skill achieved a miraculous and safe landing. The journey eventually ended in Washington DC, where a chance meeting with Senator Harry Truman did not just change White and Spencer’s lives. The encounter reshaped a nation’s military future.

Truman was impressed by the two pilots and their wizardry with their outdated flying banger. He lobbied President Franklin D. Roosevelt (via his powerful wife Eleanor) to end Negro ineligibility for civil pilot training. As a result, Congress passed a program that included funding for aviation studies in Black colleges. Nearly 1000 Black airmen and thousands of support staff soon formed in segregated squadrons. Aged 30, Spencer Sr was deemed too old to deploy. He served as a race relations officer for the Army Air Corps and continued the job as a civilian after the war. His work earned a 1948 Exceptional Civilian Service Award – the highest civilian honor given by the Army – for his fight against segregation in the military. He later became a Sheriff’s Deputy and was appointed Commissioner for San Bernadino Police Department. Soon after his death in 2002, Spencer’s Lynchburg home was made a National Monument.

Spencer and White’s serendipitous encounter with Harry Truman was critical to the formation of the famous Tuskegee Airmen, whose heroism remains part of military legend. Deployed in Italy and North Africa, the airmen earned Silver Stars, Distinguished Flying Crosses and Bronze Stars. Purple Hearts were numerous and 66 Tuskegees gave their lives. They are today honored by Tuskegee Airmen Inc Chapters all over America.  Placer Chapter spokesperson, Lanelle Roberts Brent (daughter of Tuskegee legend George “Spanky” Roberts), was among members welcoming Chauncey Spencer and his Pierce Arrow to McClellan. “His father’s story is historic,” says Roberts. “Without his meeting and impressing Harry Truman, we might not have achieved the integrated military that we have today.”

Notes Spencer: “I’m sharing a part of our history that often gets overlooked. It’s important to remember the heroes who were willing to take the first brave steps on a journey that continues today.” The Palm Desert resident’s own journey continues from city to city; state to state.  Supported by the non-profit National Colleges Resources Foundation, his next excursion comes later this month, at the invitation of the famous air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Spencer tows his 19ft monument to his father’s courage – embellished with iconic Tuskegee Airmen images -- behind a Chevy Colorado truck.  On the road, truck and trailer are constantly saluted. “People honked and waved and gave me thumbs-up all way home from Sacramento,” reports the chauffeur. “I guess they’re proud the museum is giving recognition and inclusion to all Americans.”

Chauncey Spencer makes himself available as a speaker, educating in history and equality. “When we stop calling each other Black or White and start calling ourselves Americans,” he attests, “our country will be headed in the direction it needs to go.”

Learn about Spencer and his exhibit at www.ces-ii.com

For information on the local Tuskegee Airmen Chapter, visit: www.taheritage.org