Lawrence E. Roberts | |
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Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts
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Birth name | Lawrence Edward Roberts |
Born |
Vauxhall, New Jersey |
December 9, 1922
Died | October 12, 2004 Mississippi |
(aged 81)
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch |
United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1943–1975 |
Rank | Colonel |
Unit |
477th Medium Bombardment Group 332d Fighter Wing |
Battles/wars |
World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
Lawrence Edward Roberts, Sr. (December 9, 1922 – October 12, 2004) was a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen and a colonel in the United States Air Force, with 32 years of total military service. He was the father of newscaster Robin René Roberts.
Roberts was born on December 9, 1922 in Vauxhall, New Jersey. He was married to Lucimarian Tolliver for 57 years. They had four children: Dorothy Roberts McEwen, Lawrence E. Roberts, Jr., Sally-Ann Roberts Craft Nabonne, and Robin René Roberts. He taught his children to live their lives without limitations. Roberts was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Roberts attended Howard University, received his bachelor's from Morningside College, and received his master's degree from the Tuskegee Institute.
Roberts entered the United States Army Air Corps at Keesler Air Force Base in 1943. He was assigned to the Tuskegee Airmen program in 1944. Roberts flew Piper Cubs, North American B-25 Mitchell bombers, Douglas C-54 Skymaster transports and North American F-86 Sabre and fighter jets. Roberts also served as an instructor in Tuskegee University's Air Force ROTC program from 1958 to 1960.
He served in the Vietnam War and received 18 service medals and awards.