Henry D. Polite (Photo: NBC Los Angeles)

Henry D. Polite, a distinguished member of the Tuskegee Airmen and American hero peacefully passed away at the age of 96 in his West Los Angeles home on May 9, according to multiple media reports.

Born in Philadelphia in 1926 and later settling in Los Angeles, Polite faithfully served his country as a crew chief and engineer among the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators and service members during World War II. In 2007, President George W. Bush awarded Polite and his fellow Tuskegee Airmen the Congressional Medal of Honor for their service.

During Polite’s time in the service, he endured racism anywhere he went. Henry told his daughter, Veronica Polite, he once removed a “colored only” sign in anger at the injustices of the time. Following his military service, he continued to work as an electrical engineer for the Department of Defense for three decades until his retirement.

Henry Polite was a devoted family man leading his family in prayer every night. He was married for 73 years. He is survived by his wife, five children, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Alongside his loving and devoted nature, Polite’s legacy is one of heroism and resilience.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.