Palm Springs Air Museum hosting viewing & memorial for Tuskegee Airman
The Palm Springs Air Museum will host viewing and memorial services for Tuskegee Airman Red Tail Combat Pilot Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” J. Friend.
Friend passed away from natural causes surrounded by family on June 21, 2019, just a few months away from his 100th birthday. He was one of the last surviving members of the iconic Tuskegee Airmen pilots, the first African American military pilots in the history of the United States Armed Forces.
The Palm Springs Air Museum will host a public viewing on Saturday, July 6 from noon to 5 p.m. The Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, July 7 at 11 am. Both services will be held inside the Miles Hangar.
According to his official obituary, Friend flew in 142 combat missions over Europe during World War II and also served in Korea and Vietnam. For his service, Friend has been the recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze Star with Flying Cross, 3 Distinguished Service Medals, and an Air Medal.
After retiring, Friend became involved in the Palm Springs Air Museum and its flight program, restoring a P-51D to flying status. The aircraft is painted with the markings that match those from Friend’s P-51 that he flew during WWII.
Friend is survived by his children; Thelma Hoffman, Robert J. Friend, Jr., Michael D. Friend, Debra D. Carter, Dana A. Friend, Clara Ann Browning, and Karen E. Crumlich. His son Darry R. Friend died in 2002 while on active duty. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren.
Before his death, Friend was one of 12 surviving Red Tail Pilots.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Palm Springs Air Museum.
