Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club honors original airman George Watson Sr.

On September 21, 2013, the Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club honored original Tuskegee Airman Mr. George Watson Sr. The ceremony took place at the VFW Post in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club Members

The club members in attendance included:

• Mr. Harry Bray, President
• Mr. Lee Williams, Vice President
• Mr. Jimmy Hoffman, Chaplain
• Mr. Gilbert Davis, Sergeant at Arms
• Ms. Kim Montgomery, Business Manager
• Mrs. Felicia Ford, Secretary
• Mr. Lloyd Pearson, Road Captain
• Mrs. Susan Hoffman, Business Associate
• Mr. Willie Gil, Member

Vietnam Veteran George Reed also attended the event.

The Life and Legacy of Tuskegee Airman George Watson Sr.

Mr. George Watson Sr.’s life is filled with remarkable history. The following details come from the Tuskegee Airmen Motorcycle Club’s program honoring his service.

He was born in Wildwood, New Jersey, and attended schools in Neptune, Asbury Park, and Lakewood. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1941.

On February 25, 1942, Mr. Watson volunteered for the United States Army. After a short stay at Fort Dix, he was selected to join the group sent to Tuskegee, Alabama, for what became known as the Tuskegee Experiment.

He served in Italy during World War II with the 96th and 523rd Service Groups and the 332nd Fighter Group. While stationed there, he took part in Operation Fuel Tanks, also known as the “unauthorized procurement.”

Mr. Watson was with the 332nd Fighter Wing when segregation ended in the Air Force. His overseas assignments included Germany, England, Turkey, and Iran. In March 1944, he suffered shrapnel injuries to his knees and ankles during a German bombing raid. Fearing reassignment, he did not report his injuries.

He retired after 26 years of service from McGuire Air Force Base as an aircraft and missile electrician. Afterward, he spent 15 years working for New Jersey Bell Telephone Company.

Mr. Watson became the first African American recruiter for the Army and Air Force in Trenton, Lakewood, and Asbury Park from 1951 to 1955.

Life after retirement

Even after retirement, he continued to uphold the Tuskegee Airmen legacy. Mr. Watson received numerous civic honors, including the National Tuskegee Airmen Lifetime Award. He wrote several small books, contributed to others, and assisted in the making of the Red Tails movie. He mentored hundreds and spoke at schools, military events, community gatherings, and formal ceremonies.

His many military honors eventually included the Purple Heart, awarded on May 10, 2010, 66 years after his wartime injuries. At 92 years old, Mr. Watson continued to enjoy life and receive recognition for his contributions to history.

A Special Moment With Asbury Park Students

During the event, Asbury Park Middle School student Xavier Berardesco, along with his teachers Mr. Mason (7th‑grade science) and Mr. Wronko (7th‑grade social studies), presented Mr. Watson with a drawing of a Tuskegee airplane. Mr. Watson praised Xavier’s artwork and encouraged him to keep developing his talent.

Touring the VFW World War II Museum

After meeting Mr. Watson, Xavier received a tour of the VFW’s World War II museum from Brian Boyce, known as Major B. The museum features detailed dioramas, photographs, books, and artifacts from WWII. Major Boyce invited Xavier to return and use his art skills to draw some of the machines displayed in the museum. Xavier agreed.

To learn more about George Watson Sr, visit Wikipedia .