Browse Items (16 total)

A portrait of fighter pilot Ralph Orduna in uniform.Ralph Orduna was a fighter pilot in World War 2. He earned the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and was part of the "Tuskeegee Airmen". He was part of the 301 Fighter Squadron of the 15th Air Force's 332…

This collage depicts several examples of community involvement. The articles vary in topic, but include pastors at the St. John Baptist Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. For interviews and oral histories of this and other items…

This collage depicts several examples of North Omaha community activities. The images vary in topic, but include the Rattler's Club preparing food baskets for charity, a baby contest, and Boys' Club wrestlers. For interviews and oral histories of…

This photo shows Ralph Orduna being interviewed by a television journalist in Chicago at Midway Airport in 1981. Behind them is a P-51 Mustang fighter jet, the same kind of aircraft Orduna flew in combat during World War II. Mr. Orduna’s son…

This photo shows Ralph Orduna receiving his wings, signifying his completion of flight school. He is pictured here with his sister, Maria, who is pinning his wings, and his father, Enrique. Orduna was part of the 301 Fighter Squadron of the 15th Air…

This is a photo of Ralph Orduna (middle) at Martin Bomber Plant with fellow employees. Mr. Orduna went on to become a supervisor at the plant before enlisting in the US Army Air Corps. Martin Bomber Plant, which opened 1942, produced B-26 and B-29…

This photo shows fighter pilot Ralph Orduna in the cockpit of a training aircraft surrounded by other members of the 332 Fighter Group. Mr. Orduna’s son Philip informs us that he trained other pilots after earning his wings. Orduna was a 2nd…

This collage displays a wide range of community involvement programs and activities throughout North Omaha. Churches, women's clubs, and sports teams are just a few of the featured organizations. There is also an article on the 'Mother of the Year"…

This is an image of two African American service men standing in front of a sign at the 3520th Flying Training Wing. This unit was located at McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita, Kansas beginning in 1952. For interviews and oral histories of this…

This is an Omaha Star clipping of Charles F. Thomas at 18. The son of North Omaha resident, Annie M. Thomas, Charles was completing his training in the Air Force when this picture was taken. For interviews and oral histories of this and other items…