Browse Items (7 total)
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Philip Orduna Reis Discusses the Tuskeegee Airmen
Ralph Orduna’s son, Philip Orduna Reis, discussed his father’s life and displayed some artifacts from his time at the Martin Bomber Plant and his service in the US Army Air Corps as a Tuskeegee Airman.
You can find this and other stories on the History Harvest YouTube Channel. -
Tuskeegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal
This Congressional Gold Medal was presented to Ralph Orduna’s family by Congressman Lee Terry in 2006. The medals were awarded to all members of the Tuskeegee Airmen by the United States Congress, and issued by the United States Mint. The medallion shows three airmen: an officer, a mechanic, and a pilot. On the back are three planes: a P-40, P-51, and B-25, all planes flown by the Tuskeegee Airmen.
For interviews and oral histories of this and other items please visit the History Harvest YouTube Channel.
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Ralph Orduna in Training Plane with Colleagues
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 Lieutenant pilot during World War 2 as one of the "Tuskeegee Airmen". He was part of the 301 Fighter Squadron of the 15th Air Force's 332 Fighter Group which was the first all-black combat fighter group.
For interviews and oral histories of this and other items please visit the History Harvest YouTube Channel. -
Ralph Orduna and Colleagues at the Martin Bomber Plant
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 bombers for the war effort. The plant was built southeast of Omaha, NE at Offut Air Field, which is now known as Offut Air Force Base.
For interviews and oral histories of this and other items please visit the History Harvest YouTube Channel. -
Ralph Orduna Given His Wings
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 Force's 332 Fighter Group which was the first all-black combat fighter group.
For interviews and oral histories of this and other items please visit the History Harvest YouTube Channel.
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Ralph Orduna Interviewed by Journalist
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 Philip shared several news articles focused on his time as a Tuskeegee Airman.
For interviews and oral histories of this and other items please visit the History Harvest YouTube Channel.
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Ralph Orduna Military Portrait
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 Fighter Group which was the first all-black combat fighter group.
For interviews and oral histories of this and other items please visit the History Harvest YouTube Channel.