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.” 


Newman Camay Golden was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 12, 1919. He joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, graduated from the Tuskegee pilot training program in 1944, and served with the 99th Fighter Group in Italy. Photographer Toni Frissell recorded the Tuskegee Airmen stationed at Ramitelli in 1945. Flight Officer Golden appears in several photographs. Soon after, on March 20, during a bomber escort mission over Austria, Golden parachuted from his damaged aircraft. He was imprisoned at Moosburg until Allied forces liberated the camp. Golden then enlisted to serve in the Korean War. On October 17, 1951, 1st Lieutenant Golden’s aircraft was hit, burst into flames and crashed. Golden was missing in action until March 31, 1954, when his status changed to killed in action. 1st lt. Golden received the Purple Heart, and in July 2014, a memorial for him took place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (Section MW, Row A, Grave 01-A).

1LT Newman Golden and other Tuskegee Airmen.

1LT Newman Golden and other Tuskegee Airmen at a pilot's briefing.

NEWMAN CAMAY GOLDEN

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