The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian recognition awarded by the U.S. Congress. This medal was presented to the Tuskegee Airmen, African American pilots flying for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Awarded on March 29, 2007, the medal recognized their “unique military record that inspired revolutionary reform in the Armed Forces.” 


California native Kenneth Hawkins was born in 1918, graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1937, enlisted in the Army, and joined the Air Corps at Tuskegee in February 1943. Hawkins graduated from the flight training program with the rank of second lieutenant in January 1944. Lt. Hawkins soon saw action in World War II as a member of the 332nd fighter group and was promoted to first lieutenant. His brother, Donald, graduated from Tuskegee as a flight officer in November 1944; Kenneth initially served as chief mechanic to his brother’s squadron and later as a flight instructor. Both participated in the “Freeman Field Mutiny” trying to integrate an officers’ club in 1945. First Lieutenant Hawkins died June 15, 2003, and is interred in Riverside National Cemetery (Section 57A, Grave 2204).

Article about Tuskegee Airmen brothers Kenneth and Donald Hawkins.

KENNETH R HAWKINS

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