Clarence D. Lester
A Tuskegee Airman who became an ace in a single, relentless dogfight, destroying three German fighters to defend American bombers.
1923–1986 (age 63)·Tuskegee Airman·Birthday: February 23·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Clarence 'Lucky' Lester earned his nickname in the skies over Europe, but his skill was anything but accidental. As a member of the pioneering 332nd Fighter Group, the Tuskegee Airmen, Lester flew P-51 Mustangs on the vital and dangerous mission of escorting heavy bombers deep into enemy territory. On July 18, 1944, his legend was forged. While protecting B-17s over Germany, his squadron engaged a large formation of Luftwaffe fighters. In a fierce, swirling dogfight, Lester demonstrated exceptional flying and gunnery, shooting down three German Me-109s in quick succession. This triple victory made him one of the few black pilots to become a fighter ace in a day. His actions, and those of his unit, directly challenged the racist policies of the U.S. military, proving that African American pilots could excel in complex, high-stakes combat. After the war, Lester continued to serve in the newly formed U.S. Air Force, his legacy cemented as a trailblazer who fought for his country in two ways: against fascism abroad and prejudice at home.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Clarence was born in 1923, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Clarence Was Born
The biggest hits of 1923
#1 Movie
The Covered Wagon
Clarence's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1923Born
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1928Started school
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1936Became a teenager
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Could drive
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1941Could vote
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1944Turned 21
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1953Turned 30
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 40
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 50
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 60
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1986Died at 63
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
Key Achievements
- Shot down three German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in a single engagement on July 18, 1944, becoming an 'ace in a day.'
- Completed 90 combat missions as a Tuskegee Airman with the 332nd Fighter Group, escorting bombers over Europe.
- Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his extraordinary aerial combat success.
- Helped prove the capability of African American pilots, contributing to the eventual integration of the U.S. military.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Lucky' was given to him by his fellow pilots after his triple-victory mission.
He initially served as a mechanic in the Army before being accepted into the Tuskegee pilot training program.
After WWII, he remained in the Air Force and served during the Korean War as well.
He achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring from military service.
“I flew to protect the bombers; every one that made it home was my victory.”
