In Memoriam: Donald W. Lang, Sr.

Donald W. Lang, Sr. passed away on Monday, September 17th, 2007, at the age of 84.  He is survived by two sons: Donald W. Lang, Jr. (“Wayne”) and Bradford E. Lang, both from California.  Brad is an active member of the Red Tail Project and a captain for Delta Air Lines.

Born and raised in Wildwood, FL, Donald Lang trained at the Tuskegee Army Airbase after enlisting in September, 1942. He took flight instruction from C. Alfred “Chief” Anderson, the chief flight instructor of the initial Civilian Pilot Training Program at Tuskegee and also worked with the base commander, Noel Parrish.

Assigned to the 2143D Army Air Force Base Unit, Lang remained at Tuskegee for his entire military career, leaving the Army in February, 1946, with the rank of Sergeant Major.  He was awarded three medals: the American Campaign medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the WWII Victory medal.  His son Brad often commented on his father's positive experiences at Tuskegee.  In an email sent to notify friends about his father's death, Brad wrote, “ As many of you know Dad was a part of the Tuskegee Airmen. While he did not go overseas, his military (Tuskegee) experience was very important to him.”

After leaving the service, Lang worked for the housing authority in Newark, NJ and at the post office at the Newark Airport.  He was also a long-time member of the Claude Govan Tri-State Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. His wife, Helen, whom he married in 1956, died in 1994.

Brad and Wayne Lang will scatter their father's ashes in his hometown of Wildwood, FL. Brad remembered his father during an interview by saying, “He was a wonderful father who preached a strong a work ethic and was very devoted to his family.” 

Thank you to those who have donated in honor of Donald W. Lang Sr.
Katherine M. Battenberg
April Lewis
Dr. Rachelle Simmons
Belinda & John Payne
Urban League of Broward County, Inc.
Steven M. Scott
Tim & Vicki Barzen
Anonymous
James Hurley
Angela Thrash
Joseph Scott
Jennifer Nadal
Rosylyn Johnson
Brenda Lea
Colette & Richard Miller
Palmore Family and Janifer Family
Susan Shaw
Dennis Robin McCall
Marianne Reh
Cargill Consulting Group, Inc.
Herbert & Dorothy Clarkson
Michael Arena
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Total Donated: $16,449.25

Gerry Beck

For pictures of Gerry and his plane taken in 2006 and an essay about Wahpeton please click the links below.
- Pictures of Gerry and his plane, taken in 2006
- An essay about Wahpeton
- Remembering Gerry
Thank you to Max Haynes for the Images and Essay.



As most of you know, Gerry Beck died in the crash of his P-51 Mustang while performing at the Oshkosh EAA AirVenture air show on Friday July 27th, 2007. His departure from this life will leave a great void, not only to the Warbird community, but to the world of aviation as a whole and specifically to the Red Tail Project.

With Gerry's death, we have all lost a great friend.
Some of you may not be aware that Gerry was a key player in the original reconstruction of the Red Tail Project’s Mustang. He was also the driving force behind the Red Tail Project’s commitment to rebuild the Red Tail’s Mustang once again after project leader Don Hinz lost his life telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen in a 2004 crash.

“Gerry’s generosity of time, funds, and encouragement has been invaluable for us during the first and second rebuild” said Doug Rozendaal, the Red Tail Project's leader. “The Tuskegee Airmen have been and will be our role models as we overcome the obstacles in our path. We have a target on the wall to restore and fly the Red Tail Mustang and use it to inspire youth through the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. The target is to raise an additional $500,000 for the restoration and the $1 million for the educational program by May of ’09 so that we will again be able to use the RTP Mustang as a tool to tell the Airmen’s compelling story."

Through the Red Tail Project, Gerry was actively involved in the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.

Bob Granvin, the Minnesota Wing leader said, “Gerry, of course, is known to us as a critical partner in the Red Tail Project, having restored the P51-C fuselage both during the original restoration and the current restoration and is a great friend of the Minnesota Wing. Obviously all of our thoughts and sympathies are first and foremost with the Beck family at this time.”

One can begin to understand the scope of Gerry’s involvement in the Red Tail Project and realize his contribution by viewing Adam White’s PBS documentary “Red Tail Reborn”. The film is a moving documentary of the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, how they overcame adversity and how they have in a very meaningful way shaped the world we live in today. The film also shows how Don Hinz and Gerry worked together to lead and inspire all of the RTP volunteers to create the most efficient tool to spread that story through out America.

As Steve Kaminsen, one of the restoration volunteers said “I know that implementing the lessons I have learned from Gerry can only serve to make my life and hopefully everyone I am involved with better. We will continue on our quest to finish restoring the Red Tail in honor of the Tuskegees, Don Hinz and now Gerry Beck. Thank you Gerry.” ~ Tim Barzen

Don Hinz

Read more about Don Hinz

The P-51C Mustang Tuskegee Airmen was tragically lost, along with it's pilot and the leader of the Red Tail Project, Don Hinz, on May 29, 2004 due to a mechanical failure and subsequent off airport landing near Bay City Wisconsin. Don had just completed a high speed pass at an airshow with Tuskegee Airmen when the sudden and unexpected failure of the Y drive caused the engine to suddenly and completely stop. All of us associated with the Red Tail Project send our heart felt condolances to Don's wife Pat, their four sons, and the rest of the Hinz family for their tragic loss.

Don Hinz was performing at the 2004 Wings of Freedom Air Show in the CAF P-51C “Tuskegee Airmen” when the aircraft suffered a catastrophic engine failure. Don executed a forced landing in trees near the airport and was fatally injured.

Don gave selflessly of his time, resources, and ultimately his life in his effort to tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. This is a story of hope and opportunity, through self-discipline and perseverance.

Don believed the aircraft was a powerful tool telling this story “in a museum without walls.” In this spirit we are restoring the aircraft. Currently, restoration of the fuselage is near completion. The unveiling of this major milestone will be at the Wings of Freedom Air Show. The airplane will soon be flying again continuing Don's vision that, “this airplane will travel the country and maybe the world telling youth that they can follow their dreams, overcome obstacles and be contributing members of their communities.

Dr. William Bethel Morgan (Bill) was born on June 4, 1921 in Homestead Pennsylvania the son of William B. Morgan, Sr. and Susie Harris. He grew up in western Pennsylvania and graduated from South Huntington Township High school in 1939.

After graduation he farmed and was employed at the Glassport Steel Foundry in 1941, where he toiled as a steel chipper.

In 1942, Bill volunteered to become a pre-aviation cadet for the US Army. After wading through paperwork and enduring years of testing, interviews and screening, Bill was accepted as a Pre-Aviation Cadet reporting to Tuskegee Institute. After 9 months of training, Bill received his commission and wings as an Army Air Force Pilot in the summer of 1945, at which time he became one of the Tuskegee Airmen.

He spent his time at Tuskegee Institute, continuing to train as he waited for his call to active duty. He was discharged as the war ended in 1945.

After being discharged he returned to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. He married Martha Ruth Butler on November 3, 1952, and decided to give up farming and become a dentist. Bill graduated from the University Of Pittsburgh Dental School in 1957. He practiced dentistry in the city of Pittsburgh for 9 years. After 9 years of practice in Pittsburgh he and his family of 4 and many beagles, moved to Wanamingo, Minnesota where they lived for a little over 15 years.

Bill and Martha moved to Fergus Falls Minnesota in the early 1980’s where he practiced dentistry in the State Hospital. Bill retired in 1986.

During his life in Fergus, Bill spent time as a volunteer for the Humane Society; he was an active member of the Lake Region Amateur Radio club for close to 20 years. He was also an ardent sportsman: a hunter, fisherman, trap shooter, dog trainer, and camper. Bill had a great love of nature, dogs and the outdoors.

In February of 2006, Bill was honored with a Doctorate in Public Service from the Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee Alabama for his service to the United States Army as a Tuskegee Airman.

Bill attained the amazing age of 85. He led a rewarding and independent life, surrounded by wonderful and caring friends at 320 Western Avenue in Fergus Falls. Bill past away quietly on December 30, 2006 in Minneapolis at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.

He is survived by a daughter, Susan Eileen Morgan (and Linda Scott) of Chanhassen, one son, William Patrick (and Karen) Morgan of Appleton Wisconsin; two grandsons, Patrick William Morgan and Sean Steven Morgan of Appleton, Wisconsin, in addition to other relatives and wonderful friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Christopher in 1984, his wife Martha in 2002, and his step-brother Robert Earl Queen.

Interment at Fort Snelling Cemetery in Minneapolis will be scheduled for the spring of 2007, with a future date to be determined.
Thank you to all who have donated in Honor of Dr. Morgan

Dr. and Mrs. Richard C. Baker, M.D.
Steven & Diane Christianson
Gerald Frick
Dr. Joseph and Elizabeth Gomer
Tom Hallisey, volunteer to help work on the airplane as a mechanic
Carol Hoivik
Susan Morgan and friends
Jerry and Barbara Mortenson
Wallace & Audrey Ness
Elane Olson
Julie and Erik Schindler
Loleta E. Scott Trust
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Total Donated: $710