Osan says goodbye to former Tuskegee Airman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Nearly 100 members of the Osan family gathered together to pay tribute and honor the memory of Master Sgt. (retired) James T. Price, a former Tuskegee Airman and mentor to residents of the Songtan, during a memorial ceremony July 29 here.

Mr. Price passed away July 20, succumbing to injuries suffered in an accidental fall several weeks ago.

"We are gathered here to remember and celebrate a life of service to the nation and Air Force -- a life that epitomized patriotism," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Bruce Glover, 51st Fighter Wing chaplain.

Price joined the Army on Dec. 7, 1942. After serving in Tennessee, Texas, France, Germany and Belgium, he became one of the youngest members of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen in 1945. He served with the all-black unit as a B-25 aerial gunman until the military became fully integrated in 1949.

"He was a trailblazer," Chaplain (Capt.) Ruth Segres, 51st Fighter Wing chaplain office. "He embodied the 'Service Before Self' and befriended everyone he met, even if they didn't look like us. His contributions to the Air Force and Osan are to be commended and I am proud to stand on the shoulders of Mr. Price."

Laurence Lyons, Veterans of Foreign Wars commander in the Pacific Area, said even though James grew up during segregation times, that didn't stop him from serving his country.

"Jim loved his country," Mr. Lyons said. "The more the U.S. segregated, the more Jim loved his country and fought for equality and to instill patriotism in everyone."

After a successful career including tours in the U.S., England and Korea, Price retired from the Air Force in 1966 as a master sergeant. He spent final years serving at Osan and working in the local community.

"Jim had a zeal for life and a passion for change," said Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, 7th Air Force commander. "He left a legacy for others to follow. The Air Force is the greatest in the world because of the foundation laid by men like Jim Price."

The ceremony concluded with a rifle salute by the Osan Honor Guard, an A-10 flyover, and the playing of "Taps."

Mr. Lyons described Jim's life and contributions with one simple word.

"Priceless."