Norton
Air Force Base Museum
SPOTLIGHT EXHIBITS
Norton AFBM Bench Dedication
On Saturday, April 19th, at 1300 hours, the 57th Alumni Association proudly dedicated its thirteenth commemorative bench at the Norton Air Force Base Museum. This bench serves as a heartfelt tribute to the brave individuals who flew, maintained, and supported the iconic C-141 Starlifter aircraft, a cornerstone of military airlift operations for decades.
The dedication ceremony took place at the museum, located in the Norton Regional Event Center (formerly the NCO Club) in San Bernardino, California. The museum itself is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Norton Air Force Base and its contributions to the U.S. Air Force.
Representing the 57th Alumni Association at this special event was Lew Shedd, CMSgt (Ret), who played a pivotal role in honoring the legacy of the C-141 and the countless individuals who contributed to its success. The association's motto, "Keeping it Alive," underscores their commitment to ensuring the memory of the C-141 Starlifter and its crew remains vibrant and celebrated.
This dedication is part of a broader initiative by the 57th Alumni Association to place granite benches at various locations, including museums and sites with static C-141 displays. These benches symbolize the enduring legacy of the aircraft and the people who made its missions possible.
If you're ever in the San Bernardino area, the Norton Air Force Base Museum is a wonderful place to visit and learn more about the history of the base and the aircraft that played a vital role in military operations.
Colonel Paul Green:
Tuskegee Airman and NAFB Base Commander
Growing up in Xenia, Ohio, Paul Green spent his younger years at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home. As a youngster, he would fly kites and see planes in the air and thought it would be great if he could be one of those guys flying a plane.
In March of 1941, the War Department announced that African Americans would be allowed to become Air Corp pilots. Green was drafted into the Army Quartermaster Corp in 1943. His dream of becoming a pilot became a reality when he was chosen for pilot training school at the Tuskegee Institute training program in Alabama. He was one of only 30, in a class of 340, who graduated in 1944. Stationed in Italy, he flew 25 combat missions with the 99th Fighter Squadron escorting bombers.
There were a total of 992 Tuskegee Airmen – pilots. They were dedicated, determined young men who became the first black military airmen, at a time when there were many people who thought that black men lacked intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism. In addition 10,000 African American men and women served as support personnel.
The Tuskegee pilots flew 1,578 combat missions, 15,533 sorties, destroyed 261 enemy aircraft, 1,000 railcars, transport vehicles, and a German destroyer. They also won 850 medals. There were 66 aviators that were killed in action and 32 were captured as POWs after being shot down.
Their exemplary performance during the war paved the way for the Army’s desegregation in 1948. As Green said, “We proved we were not dummies. It was just the color of our skin that was different. We were capable of flying planes and doing things others do.”
After World War ll, Green joined the Air Force and flew in the Korean War and Vietnam War. He flew numerous training aircraft plus the P-40, P-47, P-51, C-47, C-54, B-29, C-130, B-25, and the C-141. He received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, Bronze Star and Presidential Unit Citation, all with Oak Leaf Clusters.
Green completed his military career as Base Commander of Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino, CA, from 1974-1976. After his retirement, he and his wife settled in San Bernardino. He was active in the community and volunteered his time with many organizations. Green passed away on February 15, 2015, and his wife of 72 years, Angel, passed away October 22, 2015. They are gone but not forgotten.
WASP Display
Women Airforce Service Pilots
The recent passing of Catherine Vail Bridge, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, reminded us that in addition to Ms. Bridge, we have several other local ladies that were WASPs.
Evelyn “Pinky” Brier, originally from Wisconsin, in 1939 became the first woman to receive an airplane instructor’s license according to an Air Force history of women in aviation. During World War ll she flew noncombat missions in the United States flying numerous planes.
including the B-17, and also trained military pilots. For years she and her husband, Joe, operated and owned Tri-City Airport in San Bernardino.
Alma L. Fornal, originally from Texas, applied to and was sent for basic and advanced training where she became a test pilot for the AT-6 that was built for fighter pilots during World War ll. She married Norton Air Force Base Lt. Col. Joseph Fornal and retired in San Bernardino.
For more information about the WASP program, visit the NAFB museum.
